The Tree Must Go, But The Joy Stays!

We won't let Christmas go! We're holding on for another day of fun and family. Jay is with us for a few more days and the kids are still playing with the toys from yesterday. First thing this morning Jacob asked if he could ride his bike. The temperature outside was only 29 degrees, so we made him stay inside and eat some breakfast first. He'll be out there later, though. Both kids are now romping around the house in their new cowboy boots from Aunt Paige and Uncle Allan. They really are the coolest boots, and the kids have taken a liking to them like I never expected. We're going to have to find a pair for Katie Mei once she gets here.

Now, for a recap of yesterday. Merrilee and Daddy got up and made blueberry muffins for the family while we waited for Jacob to wake up. Then we moved to the living room where the past several weeks of secret keeping was unveiled. The kids opened their stockings with their annual nutcracker dolls (I collect one for each child every year), and Jacob got the first glimpse of his new bike. He's been wanting a two-wheeler since Merrilee quit using training wheels in October. He watched with amazement as she took to new heights of speed and freedom, and now he's wanting it for himself. So good-bye Big Wheel, hello bruises!

Before Christmas Merrilee was determined she wanted to get her dad a trophy for Christmas. She went to the hardware store and asked the salesman to tell her where the trophies for dad's were. The poor man had to admit that they didn't sell trophies, but he did talk her into a multi-purpose screwdriver and a key ring that said "World's Greatest Dad" on it. She made her purchases, but still came home wanting a trophy for him. So we got out the play-doh and she sculpted one herself. I hot-glued the pieces together after they dried, and she lovingly painted it gold. I'm not sure Daddy understands how much love really went into that trophy. I hope he does.

After the piles of wrapping paper were removed, the official gluttony photos were taken. I do this every year. I guess it just helps us keep track of how old their toys are, and what not to buy them again if they never play with it.

The turkey was stuffed, and the casseroles were prepared, so it was time to head out for a long walk in the much missed sunshine. We've had cold and rain here seemingly endlessly for two months, so it was pure joy to go to St. Mary's City for a family walk and bike ride for an hour or two. The kids loved it, and it was refreshing to get out of the house. I haven't been on a walk since I was in the hospital, so I revelled in the exercise and fresh air. I also got to play with my new camera and try out some of its features. It's definitely a keeper!

When we came home, Merrilee and I both were wiped out. She's had a bit of a cold for the past week, so after a dose of medicine, she was zonked. I tried to nap, but someone was upstairs stomping around in his cowboy boots and riding his hobby horse, so I had to forgo the nap. I just babysat the turkey and got stuff ready for dinner. We ate and finished the evening with two tired little kids who didn't want to go to bed.

And so here we are today, the day after Christmas. I had cold turkey and reheated broccoli casserole for breakfast, followed by a piece of pecan pie. I was thinking about that casserole all night and couldn't wait to eat it again! Wonder what I'll have for lunch. We did the unthinkable and took our Christmas tree down today. I know, how sacrelige. Well, let me tell you, that tree was awful. I couldn't keep up with its water demands, and it was a DEMANDING tree. I watered it every day, but it just got drier and drier. So Jay has been vacuuming up needles since he got home last Friday. As you recall, I skimped on decorating it this year, not knowing if we'd be leaving for China anytime soon. So it was no trouble at all to take the kids' decorations off quickly and remove the lights. Once that thing was out of my living room, my house felt so much cleaner. It took a good 45 minutes to sweep and vacuum the remaining needles, and I still have a couple throw rugs that have needles threaded through them. I think we're going to be finding pine needles until next July.

So on that note, we're off to the dump to dispose of the trash (Exactly how much packing material does one Littlest Pet Shop Clubhouse need these days??? Is seven pieces of plastic, sixteen rubber bands, a carboard box, a cardboard frame, and cellophane really necessary for a clubhouse, two tiny animals, and four tinier accessories?). We'll chow down on turkey and mayo sandwiches and cranberry jello, and then we're off to the store to buy a memory card for my camera. I'm going to need it!

Love to all,

Petrie and the gang