When we had Norah we could not wait to see that excitement on her face and to experience everything with her all over again! This was our chance to relive our childhood. OK, maybe I shouldn't speak for Colin, but this is totally how I felt.
Her very first Christmas she was only 4 months old. It didn't matter to us that she was still a tiny baby that slept most of the day and couldn't quite sit up on her own yet. We brought her to the Macy's 8th floor display (which she slept through), made cookies with for her, and brought her to see Santa who gave her presents that we "helped" her open on Christmas morning. She could barely chew the oh so special Christmas morning waffles.
Fast forward to 2012. Norah is a very wise 4 year old who finally really gets it. She asks "How many days is it until Christmas Momma?" every morning. She wants to read Christmas books and watch Christmas movies. She memorized all the reindeers names. She notices when there are 3 Santas within 5 blocks in our neighborhood and asks why there are so many. So far she is satisfied with "He is magical and can be multiple places at once". Clark seems to understand more than Norah did at his age, but I attribute that to being a little copy cat :)
So this year we did it all... We took the kids to Madeline's Christmas where they fell head over heels in LOVE with Madeline. We went to the Nutcracker (Norah is now in ballet class), saw the Macy's 8th floor display, made cookies, sang Christmas carols all day every day, went to the Holidazzle parade, visited Comet & Cupid (Santas real live reindeer), made presents for dad at "Paint Your Plate", ate waaaaay too much candy and celebrated with three sets of family. It seemed that almost every day I found myself thinking about how lucky we are to be able to bring this magic back.
I have to say that the most magical moment this year was when Norah and I were getting out of our car to go into Aunt Pattys house Christmas Day. As we turn around from the car to cross the street we see Santa Claus walking toward us down the sidewalk. Norahs eyes were instantly as wide as could be and she fell silent (she never stops talking). Santa walked up to us and said "Merry Christmas! Are you having a good Christmas so far my dear?" Norahs mouth dropped open and she barely made out a nod. He was carrying one present and had his empty sack slung over his shoulder. He continued to ask us if we had seen his reindeer. He was on his last house and had one last present to deliver. His reindeer were tired and they needed to get home. Norah remained speechless and wide-eyed, so I told him that we had not seen his reindeer, but that we hope he finds them soon. I whispered to Norah to say "Merry Christmas" and after a minute she said it with a grin from ear to ear.
So this year we did it all... We took the kids to Madeline's Christmas where they fell head over heels in LOVE with Madeline. We went to the Nutcracker (Norah is now in ballet class), saw the Macy's 8th floor display, made cookies, sang Christmas carols all day every day, went to the Holidazzle parade, visited Comet & Cupid (Santas real live reindeer), made presents for dad at "Paint Your Plate", ate waaaaay too much candy and celebrated with three sets of family. It seemed that almost every day I found myself thinking about how lucky we are to be able to bring this magic back.
I have to say that the most magical moment this year was when Norah and I were getting out of our car to go into Aunt Pattys house Christmas Day. As we turn around from the car to cross the street we see Santa Claus walking toward us down the sidewalk. Norahs eyes were instantly as wide as could be and she fell silent (she never stops talking). Santa walked up to us and said "Merry Christmas! Are you having a good Christmas so far my dear?" Norahs mouth dropped open and she barely made out a nod. He was carrying one present and had his empty sack slung over his shoulder. He continued to ask us if we had seen his reindeer. He was on his last house and had one last present to deliver. His reindeer were tired and they needed to get home. Norah remained speechless and wide-eyed, so I told him that we had not seen his reindeer, but that we hope he finds them soon. I whispered to Norah to say "Merry Christmas" and after a minute she said it with a grin from ear to ear.
Norah and Clark trimming the Charlie Brown tree at Grandpa and Nonas house. The one photo I got! My camera had gotten all fogged up when we brought it in from the cold :(
Santa went a little overboard on presents this year :)
Norah made this present at school... I need to take a picture of it - it is the most beautiful artwork I've ever seen on a thick piece of styrofoam to look like a canvas!
Clark and Norah wrapped Daddys gifts all by themselves!
Norah and Nana (and her new doll Audrey). Norah loves Nana to pieces.
Audrey taking a nap on the couch.
Norah actually took this picture! We just have to work on her focus skills a bit and she's all set :)
Laughing with fun Auntie Leesie.
Norah finding Grandpa in a good old fashioned game of Hide and Seek.
My family has so much musical talent. Every single one of them!
Daddy and Norah cuddling on the big cozy chair.
Here's Aunt Kathy about to pop her brother with this ball that shoots out of the reindeers mouth!
Cuddling with Grandma Renee on Christmas Day evening watching Polar Express.
Drinking hot chocolate with Izzy.
Merry Christmas
Love ~ Renee
