Merry Christmas 2011

Because the real live dog isn't good enough

Christmas this year found us hanging out at home, playing games, baking, watching lots of football, and just generally relaxing (or trying to at least!). Papa arrived last week and helped me with last minute shopping and entertaining the kids. He introduced them to 52 Pick-up (which they loved for some reason) and played lots of games of War, Sorry, Payday, and Stratego. 

We had a "snacky" dinner again (complete with pigs in a blanket, of course) and settled in to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Shrek the Halls.  As is the tradition, we moved all of the kids mattresses onto the floor in the bonus room and they had a big sleepover for Christmas Eve. Surprisingly they all fell asleep within minutes of laying down their heads and were out by 745.  They woke up by 615 and we watched Charlie Brown Christmas in our room together before going in to wake up Papa to go downstairs. Santa had come, eaten all of his cookies, and brought the boys Air Hog remote control helicopters and Faith a "Furreal" Puppy dog. This was probably the biggest hit of the year. She named it Snowball and she takes care of it like a real dog: feeding it, giving it water, playing with it, and taking it on walks down the block. She is so funny talking to it and reprimanding it, giving it treats when it is "good", etc... Yesterday on our walk the puppy (with the remote control leash) kept veering off to the right toward other houses. Faith says, "Mommy, Snowball is looking for a boy dog so she can go kiss is. That's why she keeps trying to go to these other houses!". 

Once again the highlight of Christmas!

After opening stockings and seeing what Santa brought we made breakfast and, in the Simonich tradition, opened presents until almost noon. The kids were so excited about everything. Tanner and Jake LOVED the football jersey/cap/Fathead gift from Auntie Sue and Uncle Eric and the Madden 12 Wii game from Grandma Mary.  Faith was so excited about the Boise State Cheerleading outfit, complete with orange and white pom poms, and she immediately put on the whole ensemble and showed off her cheerleading skills. Other favorites included the game of Stratego, a stuffed cheetah from Abby, a new Nerf football, and walkie talkies. We spent Christmas Day playing with all the new toys, learning new games, and watching the start of the delayed NBA basketball season.

The boys have an indoor football camp this week everyday from 1030-1 and Faith and I plan on going to the Y each day during that time. Dad leaves tomorrow, Mom comes home Thursday, and life goes back to "pre-holiday normality" next Monday. Until then, I see lots of family games, football games, and play dates in my future :)

Merry Christmas to Everyone!