Christmas 2010, in bullets

First of all, my children (!!!) are 18 months old today. They are walking, talking big kids - I can't believe it.

Look at them at 8 months. First visit to Gillooly's Farm - not very impressed - we're going to take them again later today. Hopefully this time they'll be excited by all the ducks.

So, Christmas, two weeks later.

• D and the kids were up early as is their custom while I slept late.
• They then came to wake me, all dressed, saying "mommy mommy" - too sweet.
  
• I really don't like lots of gifts as it all just becomes a blur of paper and craziness so we got them 3 small things each and called it a day.
• They also got things from my family on the Sunday before - a joint gift and one each (wooden toys which I love - I think I've found my weakness with toys).
• Also, clothes from my MIL (three weeks early because they were "holiday clothes" that couldn't fit them, but let's move along...) and presents from other people.
• We started with Caren's presents to them which was a big mistake as they were FULLY occupied for 20 minutes (and would have been longer if I didn't say that we needed to get moving), then ours, then another friend's.
• Normal breakfast and nap and then we dressed them like twins (matching, for the fun of it, in denim shorts and white t-shirts) and set off for Pretoria.
• I say this everytime but "how in the Sam Hill (my new thing I picked up somewhere in blogland. I say that with a bad Southern accent!) do people survive in that heat?!" My sister in law says "AIRCONS!" I would die.
• Connor is not interested in doing anything but walking around and my MIL got a bit iffy since he wouldn't come give her a hug and kiss. *sigh*
  
• Kendra on the other hand loves the loving and was quite content to sit with Granny and be loved on. Granny then wanted to feed K and was not amused when K started doing her new thing which is freaking out if you offer her any food she finds offensive. She swipes her hands in front of her (violently, I might add) and screams a bit. It was fun to watch someone else experience the craziness. I'm bad, I know.
• Connor sat next to me and ate mostly everything, roast potatoes, mealies and pumpkin being his favourites.
• Yes, they were in their little seats.
  
• My SIL's in laws are chain smokers (you have never seen anything like it) so one side of the table was the smoking side for her, hubby and his parents, and the other side was the non-smoking side for us and D's mom.
• Connor started coughing and I had to tactfully pull him away from the smoking side where he was walking around. Not fun because they don't realise that the smoke is bad for babies.
• Gifts! SIL never opens gifts in front of people but the rest of us opened ours. Loved them except for the babies' gift. They got a very noisy piano-type thing which they played with there... and then when we got home, it was conveniently misplaced :) No way in the Sam Hill (see, it's fun!) am I having all that noise in my sanctuary.
  
• Other than that, it was a lovely, lovely day but I'm very glad we decided to come home and sleep in our own beds.
  

My thoughts on Father Christmas/ Santa
I grew up with the notion of FC but I always knew he was a fictional character.

I'm sure there's nothing wrong with it/ him but for me, I first of all think he's a bit freaky (which child wouldn't be scared of a gigantic man with a big, white beard?!) and second of all, I want the kids to look to God, their father, for any gifts, not some man in a red suit. Or even us for that matter.

God is the only person who will not disappoint them and quite honestly, I have to trust Him to give me things too (tangible and intangibles); the sooner they learn that's the way it is, the better for them.

I know I sound like scrooge. Leave me be :)

Now for the pics...

Kendra opening Caren's gift. Notice the sandals. She loves these things (gift from MIL) with their oversized flowers and insists on napping in them. Well, I said to her, "I don't care as long as you sleep" and she slept 1 hr 30 so I now call them the magic shoes.

Connor finally got to the present. They LOVE these balls so much. Look at the cute baby hands.

Kendra sees the puppies we bought them. She loves that thing.

Connor loves the puppy too. BTW, these are the only dogs that will be allowed in my house until these kids are about 8 and can take care of animals by themselves.

On our way to Pretoria. Doesn't she look sweet? And first car ride facing forward! Of course, D's idea. I'm happy to keep her rear-facing because she's so tiny.

I really think I need to get this only one gift for each adult going for next year, where everyone's names are thrown in a hat and each person draws a name to buy for. It just takes off the pressure of having to find the perfect gift.

What do you do in your family?