Like Father, Like Daughter

Apparently Santaphobia is genetic.  Mattie Jane clearly takes after her daddy.  And check out how much MJ looks like Sharon (Robert's sister) in this picture - it's those eyes and that nose.

 

 Thank you, Phil, for sending - an absolute classic.

Breakfast With Santa

Last year Santa was just a character of sorts that didn't carry too much significance for Evan.  This year, however, is a completely different story.  Santa is THE man.  All we have to say to Evan is, "Santa is watching you!"  The change in behavior is miraculous.  I may have to purchase Elf on a Shelf and use it all year long.  Is that wrong?

We took Evan and Mattie to the Hard Rock Cafe to have breakfast with Santa this morning.  Evan was literally shaking he was so excited.  He walked in asking a million questions like, "Does Santa live here?"  "Will he be wearing red pants and boots?"  "How old is Santa?"

Breakfast was served first - Evan didn't eat a morsel probably due to the butterflies in his stomach.  Mattie, on the other hand, had seconds.  When Santa finally arrived he descended the stairs into clear view of our table - Evan's reaction...

Santa then made his way around the dining room and made a special visit to our table.  Evan was completely overjoyed - Mattie was a bit uneasy...maybe a little suspicious of the bearded man dressed in red velvet.

After Santa made his table visits, he headed to center stage where he sat in his chair ready to make Christmas promises.  All the children lined up, eager to rattle off their wish lists - Evan included.

 
Then, the moment we all had been waiting for...

Evan was in love - Mattie wanted the hell outta there!

Christmas is Officially Here

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.  Thanks to our overly ambitious neighbors, we had to step it up this year.  We decided being the only unlit house on our block looked bad - especially when Evan was asking why we didn't have lights in our yard like everyone else.  Confessing our laziness wasn't gonna be a good enough excuse for a three year old.

So we started out our decorating by heading out to Conway to Booth's Christmas Tree Farm this afternoon to pick out the perfect tree - for us that means easy to cut down and not too much necessary trimming.   Evan told us in the car that he was gonna pick out "a big tree with presents under it."  Nothing like an all-inclusive Christmas.  We told him they didn't offer that combo, but that we would make sure that whatever tree we chose would have presents under it come Christmas morning.

We took a tractor ride down to the leyland cypress lot.  This type of tree was ideal for us last year with Evan being only two.  The needles are a lot softer and a little bit easier to maintain.  We knew this year was gonna be a challenge with Mattie and her very curious, mischievous self.  So we opted for another cypress.  Evan and Mattie roamed the lot until we finally came upon a tree that looked symmetrical and tall enough for our high lofty ceilings.

Paul Bunyan and his mighty saw took down our beautiful tree...

We literally picked out our tree and cut it down in a matter of 10 minutes - the tractor didn't return for at least 25 - 30 minutes.  So we took pictures - duh.

Evan of course had to "pee pee" while we waited - being a boy certainly has its advantages.

We finally made it back to our car to strap the nine footer to our rooftop.  The 45 minute trip home lulled both kids to sleep - but I did notice a very sweet gesture before they closed their eyes...

The tree is decorated, the stockings hung - outside decorations will be taken care of this week.  We are so ready for Santa here!