Attempt at a pre-Christmas photo shoot and somewhat better outcome on Lydia’s first Christmas portrait.
Commence opening presents. Uncle Jonathan, you’ve already seen one of the resulting wood projects, so you know what kind of fun Logan has already had with his gift—thanks! Aunt Holly, I think that’s the onesie you gave her in there—love the design on it!
Uncle Jonathan wins again—the pottery wheel has been a huge hit; we made and painted another piece this week. Mom, that’s Lydia helping me open the gray sweater. It’s gorgeous; thanks! Holly and Drew, Jake devoured that book in about two days and then informed me of every discrepancy between the book and the movie :)
Hooray for gifts that work well for more than one child! Aunt Rachel, your beanbags and ribbon wands have been explored and enjoyed by all three. Janet, the Mental Blox also work well for a variety of activities and interest levels—good choice! Aunt Holly, the rock painting kit is there in the corner of the last picture. Jake and I got a great laugh out of that, but Naomi is very serious about it and we had to bring back more rocks from the beach for her and Logan.
Lydia, predictably, was into the tissue paper for a bit, while Naomi amused herself with Lydia’s new jack-in-the-box. Pause again for book-reading and crafting. Chica, I don’t think that’s any of your books that Logan’s looking at there, but all of them had to be read Christmas morning/day. Ladybug Girl has been a HUGE hit; in fact, Naomi “read” both of them to me today. Many thanks!
Rach, this thing is really fun! It goes a surprising distance and yet we haven’t lost any arrows yet. It’s ideal—thanks!
Uncle Jonathan’s gifts in use—thanks again! Also, thanks to all for the un-photographed bits. The chocolate—delicious! That raspberry one was AMAZING (yes, all-caps worthy) and the bar (was that the German or French? I can’t recall now) was so perfect in its texture. It was so nice to have little treats through the month—thank you, thank you! And Holly, the puzzle book is fabulous; the puzzles are unique and actually challenging! It’s found a home next to the glider so I can exercise my brain while nursing. Jonathan, I do love my earrings :) Jake is excited about his Wood magazine collection and has all kinds of projects lined up (for all his spare time). Janet, the Snap Circuits are really cool; Logan has made probably 12-15 projects already. I love that he can do them mostly on his own. For all the books, you know us well; they’re great picks and literally every one of them has been enjoyed! Many, many thanks to all and we look forward to seeing all of you between now and next Christmas!
(If I didn’t mention one of your gifts specifically, it’s because I’m forgetful, not ungrateful. That’s what comes from delaying the thank you note/post by several weeks and finishing it up after 11:00 at night.)
