Christmas, 09

Christmas with little ones is so much fun! Leading up, we went to see Santa as he traveled through downtown Olive Branch. Reese had his list and read the entire letter to Santa. Santa kept it so he could remember it. Raygan-Elise wasn't as thrilled with Santa. She screamed! Santa tried real hard to win her over. He walked around and talked to her and whispered secrets in her ear. She warmed up a little...and by that I mean she didn't scream when he stood beside us but she didn't crack a smile either. Then, we went to the Hernando Christmas parade. Reese was more thrilled with trying to catch candy than the bands and floats passing by him. He just kept saying do you think they'll throw candy. Raygan-Elise smiled and clapped some. None of the very loud tractors, 18 wheeler (the front part), banks, or even firetrucks scared her. She just walked around my chair and stared at all of it!!

We started off this week in Clarksdale on Sunday. We opened presents at Ruru's first then SL that night. Raygan-Elise loved tearing the paper. And Reese was just super excited! I think Raygan-Elise's favorite gifts were her Magna-Doodle from Anna and her baby doll, from Hammie. Reese loves his Barakagun DS game from Anna. He said he can't eat anymore because the game changed his life!! Raygan-Elise got a rocking horse from Ruru and a grocery basket from Mamaw. Reese got a Spongebob game from Ruru and a hot wheels track from Mamaw. All the kids (except RE) got a marshmallow gun from Aunt Billie. That was a big hit with the cousins!! Reese loves his! That night we went to SL where they got a lot more gifts. The children had so much fun. We usually do Christmas in Clarksdale on Christmas Eve night and although I complained I feel blessed we did it early, as Ruru passed away Christmas Eve morning. She will be missed so much but as she said, "I'm ready to go home!"

Today, Santa came and of course tons more gifts!! Reese was SO excited yesterday! He set many traps to catch Santa but then changed them all. He took a nap to try and stay up late last night, but he still fell asleep. We called Norad Santa tracking all day and tracked Santa around the World on the computer. Brian said he has never seen him so excited! This morning he was thrilled with all his video games, guitar, and microscope plus everything else. Raygan-Elise was excited to see all the presents. She walked straight to her balls and then to her corn popper walker toy. She smiled each time her furreal pet cat made noises! She has been very very happy today! I think the tubes and meds from earlier in the week are definitely helping!

Then, we opened our presents. Reese's school had a fundraiser where the kids got to shop for their family. Reese got Raygan-Elise a book, me a heart necklace and earring set, and Brian a lighted key chain! Then they opened our presents to them. After the 3rd Mickey gift, Reese said hmmm, I'm getting a lot of these this year. Then, the big finale came! He opened the box and stared. When it finally sunk in, he grinned from ear to ear. Brian and I both got teary eyed!! Then, the big news-- Reese, I wonder when we can go....what about tomorrow! "YES!!!," he yelled, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" and his arms flew up in the air. We are so excited and have been packing the car all day! It will be a fun-filled Mickey Week!! We leave tomorrow around lunch! Reese says his Favorite part of Christmas is all the toys and I think Raygan-Elise's is the food (she's gotten so good at using baby sign for more, all done and eat.) She even says ma sometimes when she signs more.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone!!! From our family!!!