Was a wonderful Saturday! (And not just because my big sister had a birthday either.)
Some last minute-sewing to get the girls shirts done.
Waiting for our turn to see Santa. We went to visit him at Peninsula Gardens which was a perfect choice. Only one family in line in front of us, and Daisy loved checking out all the fountains while we waited.
Meeting the big guy. (Look, they're both looking at the pro camera and Daisy even is smiling nicely! Had to spend a little money and buy the good shot.)
Dear Daisy,
We've been talking about Santa for several weeks now, ever since you decided you wanted a kitchen and were told the man with the big beard was your ticket. We practiced asking nicely and saying thank you. And one bright morning you were thrilled when we told you we were off to visit him "at his house".
We were a bit nervous after last year's freak-out, especially because you haven't shown any interest in costumed characters recently. The family in front of us in line told us to wait as they knew their son would cry, and we were hopeful that if you didn't see his meltdown it would be better for you. So you happily played with fountains until we told you it was your turn.
Low and behold, you turned the corner, walked right up to Santa, and asked so politley "please, Santa Claus, have a kitchen, please?" You willingly sat on his lap, played with a jingle bell, smiled for pictures, and let him read you a story. It was a wonderful visit and your Papa and I were smiling quietly to each other with pride.
Unfortunately, with all the prepping to see Mr. Claus, I didn't forsee the fact that once you had asked Santa nicely for the kitchen that you expected him to happily deliver right then and there. It was heartbreaking to watch you cry as we explained that Santa needed to deliver your wish to his elves who were busily working to make all the toys for the boys and girls around the world. And how he would be delivering the gifts to our house at Christmas.
It was further heartbreaking to watch you wake from your nap later that afternoon ready to run to the playroom and enjoy your new kitchen. Not yet, I had to explain again. Luckily, we were able to use the visual of your advent calendar and count how many days left until Christmas. You haven't cried about the lack of kitchen since, and in fact are talking about how "Santa's friends" are making it for you now.
Kid, you are so wonderful. We can't wait to see the joy on your face when Santa finally comes through for you.
Love,
Mama & Papa
Dear Dani Lou,
Thank you for being so easy-going and delightful. Your sister is a ball of energy, and you just are happy to hang out and watch the storm that is her. You're pretty serious in this shot because you are getting sleepy, but anytime someone talks or laughs with you, you reward them with the bestest and biggest grin.
Having a baby at Christmas brings a whole new meaning to the story of our Savior's birth. Thank you for teaching us this lesson and giving us some much needed perspective.
Happy First Christmas!
Love,
Mama & Papa
ps: Thanks for indulging Mama with the bow in your hair! It is adorable.
The day was beautiful so we decided to swing by the park on the way home. It's been a while since Darin and Daisy ran around together, and they had a lot of fun;
while I supervised our sleeping beauty.
Darin had to work a banquet that night, so I bundled up us girls and we headed the Gig Harbor Waterfront for the lighted boat parade where I really needed to have a tripod to get a decent shot of the boats;
Daisy was more interested in the dogs and the big tree;
and the dock was so crowded I almost sucked the feeling out of Daisy's hand I was clinging to it so hard.
Not our best night, but we tried. As a friend later put it, the parade would have been much more enjoyable at Anthony's sipping a glass of wine. (And kidless, too.)
