Sha-ZAM!

(Above: The Cookie plate for "Santa')

Dear Santa, 

     Thank you for making this Chrismtas a most magical one.........Love, Me.

Meet Jessica- She is my most charming Father in Law's fiancee and as you can see, this beautiful lady blends in just fine with our fun family. 

Nate and I took our brood for dinner and gifts last night at their house and it was delightful to say the least. After we enjoyed a much anticipated Ham, Mormon potatoes and my green bean casserole specialty (recipe from the can), we darted for the living room to unwrap the goodies. Actually when I say goodies I mean treasures!

Larry and Jessica definitely won my heart by picking  some leather goods especially for me, I'm still high from the smell of fresh cow hide, LOL.  Larry has always known of my purse obsession and this year he indulged my craving.  If you'll notice in the picture (above) my very sad, worn gold wallet that I have had for years.....I will retire it to the 'old purse' holding cell and replace it with the lovely red goodness that is the wallet Jessica bought for me.

Nate got some great stuff too, but after this purse/wallet escapade the rest of the night was a blur to me. Perhaps he will start a blog to explain his side of stories for when his wife is drunk in love with a new purse.....Did I mention I got a new purse?

It was a splendid way to spend last night indeed,  just being around family was enough to make us ecstatic.

After an early night for the girls and an attempted late night for Nate and I, the magic started again right at 7am sharp. Mickey was anxiously waiting for everyone to wake up to open presents, she is always so excited about that!

I love that about her.

Her husband Kim made out like a bandit with his new Xbox from her....he was pretty surprised I think.

Piper was a very good helper to EVERYONE. She volunteered herself to be the official unwrapper assistant. My mom said it best..... "we could have just wrapped boxes and she would be over the moon with excitement."

Charly and Piper both got age appropriate cameras. They are on the right path to follow in Nate and my footsteps or to just be picture taking maniacs like their Aunt Rochelle, who by the way got an IPOD touch from our dad...can you say Ah-Mmazing?!! Seriously those babies are like computers, only better because you can fit them in your purse! I want one.

Nate went through alot to get my present this year...apparently it was left on our doorstep and he had to have Aubrey, the young lady who was watching our cute little kitty, ship it here to Utah just in time. I should have taken a picture of the beautiful ring he picked out that I haven't actually gotten to wear yet due to my larger than life sausage fingers, LOL. He assures me we can exchange it for, ahem,  a larger size.

Due to our quick change of plans before we came here, Nate will have to patiently wait until we return home to get his gift(s).

After a couple of hours of very happy kids, it turned for the worse and the grouchiness factor kicked in. Charly was sent for a nap and still had a chip on her shoulder when she woke up.

Here is to us(the adults) getting through the rest of the day, while the kids misbehave, with delightful attitudes and remembering that today is in fact Christmas. He he he he..........Oh how I love it!