The things we do for kids

So just the other day I asked Kaija what she wanted from Santa. (she's seen him twice now, so I'm afraid the 'list' keeps changing). As a side note, it's a good thing she's not old enough to piece things together because she calls the Santa at the mall, the 'one that's a little scary with darker hair' and the one at our church Christmas party is the 'nice Santa'. Her list started out as barbie stuff and a crocodile. (She has this toy crocodile that's kind of squishy feeling and she wanted another one from Santa). So I was a little unprepared when she told me she asked Santa for a Princess crocodile with a green crown (yes, it's still her favorite color) and a skirt. Luckily, I had nothing better to do last night since Teem was out of town, so I quickly worked on this little project that had presented itself. I guess we sometimes go to extreme measures so that our kids will believe in Santa. I actually was quite impressed with my creativity (since I am seriously lacking in that department). I'd start selling them on ebay, but I have an inkling that these 'crocodile princesses' are not in high demand...maybe next year :)

Clark Griswald at the Pink House

FYI: Clark Griswald is Chevy Chase on Christmas Vacation. So if any of you know Teem, you know that when he does something out of his own desire, it is done with 110% effort. This year's Christmas lights have been no exception. He has spent the last two saturdays perfecting his work and adding to it. What made me laugh (not to his face, of course, but in my head) was when he said, "well, I need to go back a get a couple more boxes of lights". This was after he had already gone through at least 20 boxes. And those 'couple of' boxes turned out to be about 8. Now, it may not look as impressive as it sounds, but I do not exaggerate the # of lights. And there are probably about 8 extension cords strewn throughout our yard so that the circuit doesn't trip (or whatever it's called). Give me a break, I'm not an electrician.
A couple weekends ago we did end up going to the 'north pole' to see santa. It turns out it's a boat ride to the north pole and that's it. You don't even get out, but santa is sitting in his little house on the shore and reads off all the kids names. Kaija loved that part. It was an experience we may never have again (for better or worse). I'd post pictures of that, but they didn't turn out so well due to the darkness and movement of the boat.