Christmas!

 Christmas Day arrived! 

A story about our footwear: I received some lovely new slippers, all soft and cushy on the inside. I let Violet try them on, and she refused to return them. Then Cora got one of them... and for this pic, I'm barefoot, hoping to get my slippers back, while each girl wears one.

Nick, Melanie and Eloise, being adorable. And in the background, peeking, is silly Uncle Stace.

We're firmly in a new world on Christmas morning, with the girls sleeping in, no longer excitedly rushing out for their stockings. Well, Violet was quick to get hers, but we practically had to remind Cora about hers.

We let them open a gift early and saved the rest for after dinner. They're holding a Critical Role plushie that talks.

Cora actually thought well ahead, and brought an English chocolate orange home from our summer trip for her dad. 

Ellie has become a fan of Snoopy and Peanuts, and I thought that she might enjoy Violet's lovely little Peanuts backpack as a gift. Violet hardly used it, and it's pretty much brand-new. I was tickled - as soon as she opened it, she spread her arms out so Nick could help her put it on. It'll be perfect for preschool in the coming years!

A new puzzle!

This is the book Violet bought Cora - so funny! And, well, true. Violet enjoys cooking, but Cora would rather do other things.

Cora's main gift from us was a 3D printer, so she can make mini figures for D&D. Violet's big gift was a laptop!

Grandpa is hoping to entice Cora into learning chess and playing with him. They spent some time with it while dinner was cooking.

For the first time, I bought an 8-pound rib roast. Isn't it gorgeous? I was a little nervous cooking such a special roast, but it all worked out.

YUM.

Merry Christmas!