Merry Christmas!

We've had a wonderful Christmas!

It snowed like crazy on the night of the 23rd, and for most of the day on Christmas Eve. So when we went to Mass, we had to take it slow. There was just SO MUCH snow, around 6-8 inches in some areas!

Anyway, it was fun, and magical as we headed to and from church in the falling snow.

When we got back, all I had to do was heat up the chicken posole I'd made earlier in the day (click here and scroll down for the recipe). It was so good! Livie gobbled it up, and Andrew had two bowls, filled all the way to the top.

Livie ended up watching a DVD for a bit while I cleaned up and got her bath ready. She was extra cooperative when it was bath time.

We also had fun tracking Santa via NORAD's Santa Tracker. That was a blast. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more, me or Livie!

Anyway, it was finally time for bed, and Livie was worried she wouldn't be able to fall asleep. She cooperated and got ready for bed, but she felt like she just had to tell me she was worried about falling asleep.

I told her to pretend to be asleep, and to imagine all the things Santa might bring, and that would help her to fall asleep. And guess what? She was asleep within minutes!

Which was good, because Andrew and I still needed to wrap a few gifts and get everything under the tree.

Oh, and by the way, the cookies and milk were delicious. They hit the spot. Thanks to "Santa" for letting his "helpers" eat the cookies! ;)

Livie's baking cookies! (This was a few days ago.)

Leaving cookies, milk, and oats for Santa and the Reindeer!

 (Yes, Santa is an Oklahoma Sooners fan!)

Santa left a note saying he appreciated Livie's great behavior, and that the cookies were yum-o!

Comet, on behalf of the reindeer team, thanked Livie for the oats!

This morning, a couple hours before Livie woke up, I turned on the Christmas tree lights, and the chile pepper lights I had on the railing.

 

Then I promptly fell back to sleep.

Around 7:45 AM, Livie came into our room and loudly announced, "Mommy!!" and then started going on and on about the presents under the tree and the new big girl bike Santa left!!

It was fun watching her open her gifts from "Santa" and family members.

 

 

The bike!!

Livie wants to say "Thanks" to "Santa" for all the gifts, like the bike and the Barbie Rapunzel and the Sleeping Beauty.

Also, thanks to Marissa and Jester (and Joe and Pia) for the beautiful sweater jumper.

And thanks to Auntie Sarah, Uncle Don, Sydney, and Richard for the great book, the dress-up dolls, and the princess cup!

Finally, I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Now, off to get ready to go over the river and through the woods to Abuelita's house!

But first, some hot chocolate, like this: