Happy Christmas 2012!

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William likes to say "Happy Christmas" instead of "Merry Christmas", which I find adorable.  He's so sweet--this age is just the perfect Christmas age.  He still feels the wonder and enchantment of the season and he still believes in Santa.  The older two are a little more jaded.  There's not quite the same level of holiday spirit, though there's a lot of excitement to get down and get at the gifts under the tree.

We did go to church last night, all of us in one pew, everyone shiny and neat in their best clothes and me in my Christmas dirndl.  And lo, it was beautiful enough to drive me near to tears for a few moments, but then the squirming and musical seats started up.  Luckily, it was a family service designed especially for--you guessed it, families--and so there were a lot of lively little ones there. 

Anyway, here are some pictures from today:


 It's a pillow, it's a pet, it's a Pillowpet!  Annika picked this out for Will, AND she got it on sale for $4.99 (that's my little bargain hunter!).

I've been informed that the monkey's name is OhOh-AhAh!

I tricked Annika by wrapping her tiny iPod Shuffle into a big box with a heavy book.

The newest De For to join the Apple family!



 His new castle in the foreground, with 1,325 knights, catapaults, eagles, dragons, knights, ladders and etc.  Sir William costume courtesy of Peder and Sarah (thanks guys, awesome!!).

 Josiah, trying out a new DS game while Sir William looks on.  All three got new scooters.

The aftermath!
 
 
We had all gifts opened by 7:00 a.m., followed by a pancake breakfast.  I snuck in a long walk between loads of laundry and post-Christmas pickup.  At 3:00, we headed over to the ship to help serve Christmas supper to the sailors who are standing duty today and afterwards, Hans took us on a tour to see some of the new and improved spaces in the ship.  Now we're home and hunkering down for the night.  It's cool here--yeah, yeah, I know--it's below zero in Minnesota and we're griping about 45 degree weather, but it feels cool, y'all.  I guess you really can take the Minnesota out of the girl.  We're going to have an interesting time acclimating next week.
 
Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family, near and far!  We send our love and our wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!

Comments

DD4 said…
I really enjoyed your Christmas photos, Rachel. My goodness, Josiah and Annika are looking so much older!! I'm sure it was fun watching William as he saw the gifts and had such fun opening them. I could hear the excitement in his voice when he told me about his new castle. Merry Christmas! See you next week!
December 26, 2012 at 4:18:00 AM GMT+1
Dad said…
It sounds as if you all had a very good Christmas this year. With church services, gifts, and a trip to the ship for the troops. If next weekend is half as much fun as it sounds like, we will have a good time. Great pictures, again, and we will see you next weekend.
December 26, 2012 at 4:25:00 PM GMT+1
Phil Laura said…
Sat Jan 12 we had our last Christmas of 2012 with Kristine & family dining at Grizzley's followed by watching the boys open their gifts at their house. Joshua (4yrs old) was so eager to show us his room; all his toys & anything else he could push, pull or drag up to us. Pretty cute.
January 17, 2013 at 2:33:00 AM GMT+1
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