Some people say that Christmas is for children, but I decided a few years ago that Christmas is a gift our children give back to us. Seeing it through their eyes makes it all new again and I can't think of anything more wonderful than the rediscovery of the magic that is Christmas.

Lilly has her moment alone with Santa Claus.

Oh, the terror!

Lilly and Kyle await the arrival of Santa on the fire truck. He comes each year and showers (literally) the kids with candy. It's always so exciting because we can hear the music and see the flashing lights when he's several streets away. Lilly and Kyle have been sharing this experience since they were three years old. It's days later now and we're still finding candy in the grass.

Lilly poses with her jingle bell collection (in the background, hanging on the tree). Santa has personally given her one from his sleigh every year since she was only 5 months old.

Evie holds her first jingle bell from Santa.

I suppose it can't be holly-jolly ALL of the time.

Look what we made!!!

The Lavinders were kind enough to have us over for a casual dinner with a little "crafting" thrown in. The kids had a GREAT time making these. Thanks to Peggy, Scott, Sue and Lisa for a lovely evening!

17 Minutes

That's how long it took us to select and load our Christmas tree.

We are the only family we know that still gets a real one.

Lilly's Letter to Santa

Dear Santa Claus,

I love you and all of the elves and I love the Christmas that you bring. I like the presents and I love the presents inside. I love everybody in the world and I give kindness to everyone at the Christmas Feast at Gran’s. I like the bells that you gave me and my sister, Evie. Sooner or later can you please bring Rudolph out so we can see him? I bet Evie would like to touch your beard. I bet she will like the next bell that you pick off your reindeer and give to her for Christmas Eve.

This year, I would like a Hannah Montana doll and my own camera that takes real pictures. I would like a pretty blue dress with a silver swirly thing right in the middle and high-heel shoes that match and a necklace . Please bring my sister Evie a rubber ducky and a box with a lot of locks on it. She likes books and animals - especially kitty cats. We would also both be happy with a little world peace. World peace would be better than anything in the whole wide world.

Good-bye, Santa Claus. Me and Evie love you. Be careful on your trip to give presents to little girls and little boys and I hope they love the presents that you kindly give them on Christmas. I hope you like the words I say to you.

Love,

Lillian Morgan Dean and Evelyn Morgan Dean