We started Christmas around 8 o’clock. Mom was up at 5 wondering when everyone else would wake up…the extra three hours were rapturously enjoyed.

Briar received oh so much Princess paraphernalia. Avery gummed, chewed and gagged on loads of wrapping paper,mom made a second pot of coffee (purr), dad thanked his lucky stars that he thought to do the “some assembly required” two nights ago (mom’s idea of setting up on Christmas Eve rivals set decorating for a Broadway show), Ella devoured in less than 30 minutes two “nearly indestructible for even the toughest dogs” toys, and Barnaby spent the morning having alone time in the pack-n-play.

I seriously don’t understand any of this. It’s cool that Briar is happy and all, but…Dad? The camera? C’mon it’s early. Can I get a little drink of something?

This is mine. I’m standing in it. I love this. I love Cheerios.

Ooh, princess stuff in blue. What will they think of next? I love it. I love it. I love it. Thank you Grandma & Grandpa.

Umm, Jim, Corky, Molly? You may be the coolest people in the world. The only thing I love more than Ariel…a good fort, which I wil realize this is once I stop sunbathing and let Daddy put it together. Ooo, wow!

Thanks Grandma & Grandpa. I thought I wsn’t going to like it because it wasn’t pink, but then I saw Daisy Duck. And the hood. And the snaps. Ooo, wow!

I love my fabric fish book. Mom’s been a nutcase ’cause she couldn’t remember that she was the one who bought the darn thing. Not that she would have sent a thank you note- my mom has other skills.