Christmas Eve 2010

The kids are tucked up in bed after a busy day of preparing for the big event tomorrow.  All the shopping was finished on Wednesday after a mammoth 9am-7.30pm (with a couple of hours break at home) shopping trip.  The morning was just me, tidying up the loose ends and grabbing some extra stocking stuffers.  The kids joined me in the afternoon so they could purchase their presents for each other and also for a present to put under the K-mart wishing tree.  The night ended with yummy burgers at Grill'd after a play in the park.

Today we baked, cooked and prepared all the food for our "cold meat & salad" picnic that we were planning tomorrow, weather pending.  We roasted chickens, cooked roast beef, made trifle, chocolate log, coleslaw, potato salad and real mayonnaise.  The kids were busy with zip lock bags of milk arrowroot biscuits and mallets.  Then they got all sticky and gooey as they made copious amounts of mis shappen truffles.

The last of our advent calender notes were opened tonight, with instructions to open 1 present each from under the tree - carefully chosen by me.  Surprise, surprise - everyone got a new pair of Pj's!  The kids were in matching Christmas patterned boxers and singlet, whilst Daddy got a stunning pair of red boxers and I got some spotty Pj pants and singlet.  After a bath we headed out in the rain to view Christmas lights from the shelter of the car, however one house was way too magical to miss and so we braved the rain to see it.  The kids were enthralled with all the trinkets and the amazing train set set up in the garage. 

Grace was upset as she wasn't sure how she was going to be able to fall asleep once she got home, she was too excited about tomorrow.  The

excitement must of made her sleepy though, as she fell asleep in the car on the way home.  Which left Xav all alone to ponder the big questions.  Duane and I were a little taken back when we heard "So, is Santa real or 'tend (his way of saying pretend)"  coming from our alert little 3 y/o.  Hoping that he won't need therapy for his parents lying to him, we answered "Of course He is real sweetie"

Once home, Grace was carried to bed and it was up to Xav to get everything ready for the special visitor.  The reindeer food that they had prepared at school was scattered throughout the front yard and a plate of truffles and biscuits was left out for the fat guy.

I love Christmas with the children.  It is so much more exciting and magical sharing with such innocence and belief. 

Merry Christmas xx

~~Santa has been!~~