~ TURKEY DAY AND BEYOND ~

The rest of our Thanksgiving Day(S) went really yummy! We celebrated two days in a row: after Mia "show" we had a relaxing day as a family of 5 and then started cooking! We had dinner together and then watched some movies. The next day, we had our family over (my mom had to work on the original turkey day, and what would Thanksgiving be without having the whole crazy crew together ~ so, we happily started cooking again :) It was such a nice night together, the boys and Mia got to play with their cousins; and we all enjoyed each others company.

Once we finished with our Thanksgiving celebrations, it was on to the Christmas season traditions! We got the kids ready to go out to dinner and to stop by and say "hi" to Santa Claus! The boys were excited, Eddie wanted to ask for a fire station; and Anthony was a bit nervous to ask for what he really wanted...he was afraid it would seem greedy and was trying to think of a backup, just in case he lost his nerve :) Too cute! When I asked Eddie what we should tell Santa that Mia would want...well, he was so adorable thinking and thinking. Finally, he said "a crib for her baby, with wheels ~ so WE can roll it around!"

I tried to prepare Mia for what would happen when we visited Santa... I tried to explain that she would sit on Santa's lap (whenever I say "Santa", she would reply: "ho, ho, ho") and tell him she has been a good girl, and he will bring her a present on Christmas morning. She seemed happy with that:

"Mia, we're going to see Santa!"

Big Smile!

"Santa, get ready, here I come!"

She was soooo excited!

Once we entered Santa's little "village" the line moved along. Mia would take peeks at Santa and I would try to build him up...I love the way she is peeking at him:

"Hmmmmm"

I tried to have Anthony walk her over, but she started screaming and yelling "mommieeeeee" and she clung to me... that is why there are too many "children" in this photo:

My poor girl looks so sad :(

But, look at the boys faces!

I love the way she's peeking over at him!

After our photo, the boys sat and talked with Santa for a bit. I am so glad we have these photos ~ they are magical to me ~

In the end, Anthony did ask for his beloved gift (X*box*360) and he said to me, "and Santa didn't seem to think it was too big of a gift! Maybe other kids are asking for it too!". He seemed so relieved.

WE LOVE YOU SANTA!