Maggie's blessing, etc.

This is a picture of an outing to the mall Santa. He should look more excited to be with my kids, I think. While we were there, the kids saw the Pillow Pet kiosk. They've been asking for Pillow Pets for a while, and when they first started, there were plenty of them. Now the web sites are all sold out and the mall guy wants $40 each. I don't think so. Maybe the Easter Bunny will splurge and bring them.Maggie's blessing was on Sunday. I used a family dress that was mighty full and lacy. She looked cute. She screamed during the blessing, but John kept his composure, and it was beautiful. John's parents came, as did his sisters, Clara and Jessie. (They were a big help!) All of my local siblings and their families came as well. And Roy's family. I love having everyone come. I don't mind the noise and confusion. It just feels good. And they're all so fun! We missed my parents, though.

Here's Maggie after Clara gave her a bath.

We start Eli and Tori off together at night, and then carry Tori out later. For now. We just finished reading Ramona the Pest together and will start another chapter book when we get to the library. Before, we told them stories, but I'm enjoying reading the longer books. (They usually don't sleep like this. It reminds me of the grandparents in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.)

My sweet sister, Lisa, and brother-in-law, Dennis, babysat for us so we could go to John's work party. (At The Roof - yea!) Tori really enjoyed playing with Dennis, so we took a quick picture.

I am having so much fun Christmas shopping. I already had most things, but I got some great deals on toys that Eli wants. (Incidentally, he is over Bionicles. He's on to other Lego products.)