Christmas Brunch

FaceTime with Diana and family:

Gravity Maze with Don while Gail puts her purple extensions in:

NP Map

Eric opened up his Christmas and Birthday present from Birdie:

Emmie and Eric had fun putting pins in the National Parks that we've been to as a family:

Christmas Morning

Christmas Eve

While opening gifts, Emmie was perpetually annoyed to open up clothes boxes, "The clothes torture me every Christmas."  She would sift through to find one she was sure was a toy, "This one looks trustworthy." Upon arrival home though, the first box she wanted brought in was the one that contained her new donut pajamas.  She got Shoppie dolls, an Emoji gumball machine, Razor scooter, Mikey helmet, hair accessories (purple extensions), Bop-It Bounce, Monopoly (National Parks), vest, books, pajamas, fancy boots, etc.  Additional memorable quotes:
"Turtles don't ride pink scooters."
"These shoes are fancy.  I hate my other ones.  They look like clown shoes."

Dinner Date

Sleepover (& Breakfast) with Shaylee

Sandy gave Emmie a Gift Bag with TMNT collectibles, and a wonderful note about how much joy Emmie brings to her life.

BB&B Visit

Emmie:  Hey, we're like Hansel and Griddle!  Two Hansels and two Griddles!

D&J Sleepover

School Holiday Party

Book exchange:

Candy cane ornaments:

Bouncy balls:

My 3 Dogs

Ellis Island Simulation

There was an Ellis Island Simulation at Emmie's school.  Eric and Mom volunteered as Immigration Officers; Eric's stern voice was instrumental in keeping order.  Mom had some very interesting answers when she asked the immigrants their height:
1.  I think I'm 47 lbs?
2.  Between 2' and 5' tall.
3.  60 feet tall.

Bomb Pops to celebrate their journey:

Emmieism's

A frustrated Eric and Mom were pleading with Emmie to finish her dinner, 
Mom:  Emmie, please eat.  There are starving children in this World.

Emmie:  Ok.  Why don't we just send them this?  (motioning to her plate)

Mom was out of town; leaving Eric in charge:

Eric:  You need to take a shower or bath this evening.

Emmie:  OK.  I choose bath.

Eric:  Do you know how to do that on your own?

Emmie:  Yeah, I do.  Don't tell Mom though.  When she does it for me, it's paradise.

Treats and Outdoor Play

Chalk in the middle of Winter?  Why not?

A town complete with bank, pool, tennis court, post office, chimney sweep (and chimneys to sweep) and town Christmas Tree!

Tree Time

Emmieism's

​On the way to school,

Emmie:  What is that?

Mom:  A chocolate and peanut butter protein shake.

Emmie (making gagging noises):  Why don't you just eat this Milky Way?  It's the same thing without the peanut butter.

Emmie begged for an early Christmas present.  Mom asked her to write and sign a contract stating that she would not continue to beg for more gifts if she were given one.  She wrote, "I promise to try to behave.  I will not ask for more gifts.  In return, I want a gift."  Signed, Emmie (in cursive)​