Merry Christmas!

Dear Kids,
We sure had a fun Christmas this year! Christmas Eve was special as we celebrate in our "annual" way. We picked up Mimi, Papa and Nana to head to our regular Christmas Eve dinner at Marietta Diner. Wow they sure pack in the crowds. The food is always yummy and they give you enough to feed an army. In fact, my dinner fed me and all of you. We also split some dessert after and Katelyn was thrilled to get the strawberry cheesecake. After dinner we headed to Life University for the Christmas lights. It was a rainy day so we weren't able to get out of the car and walk around but we still enjoyed the pretty lights with the family. Once we arrived home, each of you opened up 2 gifts. Mimi spent the night so she could join us in the morning.

We started at 8 AM which wasn't bad at all. I heard some whispering outside our room and found you (Katelyn and Meredith) looking over the balcony at the tree below with toys. Katelyn ran in the room and was so excited about what she could see. Drew hadn't gotten up yet so I suggested to you (Katelyn) that we get him, too. You ran in and said "Drew, Santa came, he really came" and Drew flew out of his crib. We did have the railing down but I've never seen someone move so fast. He flew over the rail and onto the floor, jumped up and was ready. All 3 of you ran downstairs while I videotaped the happenings. Katelyn pointed out everything that was easy to spot showing you (Meredith) and you (Drew) exactly what Santa brought you this year. You (Katelyn) spotted your Nintendo DS and was very happy. You (Katelyn) started looking for the Zhu Zhu Pets you had asked for as a Christmas gift from Santa. You knew they had to be "somewhere". You eventually found them set up in the kitchen and were so thrilled. All 3 of you played with them for quite awhile. Drew also loved his BatMan Cave which he fondly refers to as his Batman Dollhouse. You (Meredith) received a new Leap Frog Game based on the Princess and The Frog movie which you played most of the day. Everyone seemed thrilled with their "loot". Later that afternoon we headed to Mimi and Papa's house for another round of gift opening. More great things were received along with an amazing Christmas Dinner prepared by Mimi. The largest prime rib we have seen, the creamiest mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, croissants and corn. It was an amazing meal followed by yummy dessert. We had such a good time with the family and were exhausted when we arrived home. We had to pack for our big TN trip the next day. It's tough to pack for a lake, water park and ski trip all in one but we did it! You all finally went to bed (later than normal) and I know will continue to have a wonderful Christmas holiday. It was a very special day with three very special children!

Love,
Mommy

The Tooth is LOOSE!

Dear Katelyn,

You finally have your first loose tooth and you are so happy! It happened on Mimi's birthday so we will always remember the exact date. You were eating an apple for after school snack and bit into it. Next thing I know you're running into the family room where I was sitting to tell me you had a loose tooth! You started moving your whole body in your excited shake moment. Even your friend Regan commented on how you move everything when you're excited. I sure hope you always shake that way with excitement. I imagine the day you are asked to Prom, the day you graduate, the day you get engaged and the day you find out you're having a baby of your very own. I hope you shake all the way down to your toes. I love seeing excitement throughout your whole body and can't wait to see you with a toothless grin. I know we have a ways to go but they normally come out one at a time so soon it will be 1 down and 3 to go!

Also, you told me you were planning to hold onto your tooth (and teeth) rather than give them to the Tooth Fairy because you don't want to let them go. I'm really not all that surprised. You definitely hold onto things tight.

Another milestone....time really does go by so quickly. I love you so very much and cherish every time something new happens in your life. It is amazing to live life through your eyes.

Love,

Mommy