Back to normal

We've finally got time to breathe. Zach took his last test of the year, and then every minute was occupied with Christmas and travel preparations. We started by spending some much needed time to ourselves as a family.

There was a Santa Claus at Creekside, where Mia declared again that what she wanted for Christmas was a camera. We thought she was just spouting random words, like when she said she wanted to be a tiger, a monkey, and a cat for Halloween. But this was the fourth time she answered the same way- so after a quick look at the "list" we figured we'd take her seriously and got her a little Barbie digital camera. I was surprised how little it cost, so we didn't feel too guilty adding to the inevitable haul her grandparents were already planning. This was the first time Mia has actually wanted something (other than candy) and the first time we've shopped to "fill an order." It was fun getting it for her- I can see why so many parents like Christmas lists. We're thinking that in coming years, we will try to each give just one special present to each other, so that the gesture of giving resembles more closely the gift it actually sybolizes. But who knows. We're not sure if, as parents, Christmas is what we make of it, or if the world of retail is something we should just accept as an integral part of a "merry" holiday. I can see how prolonging gratification is a great thing to teach kids- and how waiting for gifts could be tied to waiting for Christ's birth... We'll see what happens.

We went straight to COSI after, and realized for the first time that the kids could meet Elmo at the Sesame Street Body exhibit. It wasn't very busy, and they were actually asking people to come see him. So we were the only ones in the room. Without the example of other kids, the girls were a little cautious at first. But after a while, they really warmed up to the big googley-eyed red furry monster. We went to play, but Bree kept trying to go back into the room, so when it was empty again, I let her run back in and snuggle up to Elmo. It was pretty hard to peel her away.

Our flight to Utah was fine. The twins slept okay, and were only cranky for the last 20 minutes. We ran into some pretty awesome turbulence, and later whenever anyone asked Mia how the plane ride was, she said "Bumpy!" She was trying not to be scared, but I could tell she was looking at me like I was nuts for enjoying the sudden drop that lifted us out of our seats.

Christmas is more fun now that there are more kids. Mia loved her camera,
and the twins loved their presents, too- especially while they were still wrapped.