Spreading Holiday Cheer

Last Christmas Nathan was old enough to be excited and understand somewhat about Christmas, but this is the first year that he can really, really get into the Christmas spirit. He's been digging around the mounds of presents surrounding the tree and asking about each one. I love it. He is so excited about getting to open presents for Jesus' birthday. He's looking forward to opening lots of stuff, but he's also super excited to get to give people gifts. What a sweetheart!
Every night, "Mommy who does this one say?"

We got in the Christmas spirit by visiting Santa. Nathan went along with it because he knows that's what he's supposed to do, but you could see he knows the real deal. Daddy goes to work so Mommy can buy him and Baby Sister lots of stuff. Santa asked Nathan what he wanted for Christmas and Nathan looked over at me and told me, "I really do want that T-Rex." He's been telling me several times a day, every day for the past two weeks that he wants a T-Rex. He wanted to make sure I knew also because he didn't want to rely solely on that strange man. He's too smart for his own fun.

I took pictures of the pictures of the kids with Santa. Nathan had a look on his face like this whole thing was stupid, but he went along with it to make me happy.

Kathryn was all smiles when I was holding her. She was really enjoying Santa's company until I handed her over to him. She gave "that look" right before a huge cry let out. It was to be expected and hilarious.Last Christmas the kids were off the hook with visiting with Santa thanks to Kathryn being a newborn in the middle of a freezing cold South Dakota winter. That picture is the first of many crying with Santa pictures. Here are Nathan's previous years Santa pictures, 2007 & 2008.
I don't know why I find these so funny.

I can't believe we're about to add a ridiculous amount of new toys to our already ridiculously large collection of toys. Kathryn is still enjoying her new stuff from her birthday.
Only 9 days left 'til Christmas!