Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 was full of revelations.  Key things to remember for the future: 1) Ten strings of Christmas lights are not nearly as spectacular as you think they’re going to be, 2) Meeting Santa for the first time can be pretty darn overwhelming, 3) Never start potty training on the happiest day of the year, 4) Keep the cake level and 5) Even the happiest day of the year can be a roller coaster with a 2 1/2 year old.

Ladera Ranch had a pretty good looking Mr. and Mrs. Claus this year.

Of course, if you’ve never met them before, they’re a pretty scarey pair.  Let’s face it, if you didn’t know who they were and you ran into them, say in front of a Taco Bell, you’d give them a pretty wide birth.  Notice how Megan is pretty much trying to bury herself into her mother.  That’s what I’m talking about.

Can’t open presents until we finish breakfast.  On her plate, coffee cake, eggs and potatoes.  The coffee cake was the main staple, she gave the eggs and potatoes just enough token attention to move onto the next round of activities.

Enjoying coffee cake …

The rainbow colored stamp pad was cool, but definitely wasn’t the hit of the morning.

Nor was the deluxe two-person red wagon, with canopy, in the big box on the right of the picture.

Mom got a blanket …

There was also food for Megan’s refrigerator.

Gotta love Melissa and Doug …

The present of the day, though, was Dora’s house, with a full set of accessories.  (Thanks Stacey & Mike!)

Although there were a few bumps in the road, a wonderful time was had by all!