Christmas with the cousins

We spent the Saturday after the holiday with my family so the cousins could exchange gifts. The kids had a really great time.

Jaida playing magnetic dress-up dolls with cousin Mattie

The cousins ... Jaida (holding little cousin Ryli), Mattie and Jaxon

Christmas fun

Jaida is such a fun kid. Mostly because she really has this uncanny ability to temper her excitement .... most of the time. I think I have written before about the fact that it is hard to get Jaida really excited about something in advance. She just isn't that kind of kid. All of her responses are very measured and exact and well pragmatic for lack of a better term. However, every now and again the little kid sneaks out and she just can't hide her excitement. I love these times with her ... mostly because they are so rare (and difficult to achieve)!

Holiday silliness

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Originally uploaded by gias_kids.

I love these two SO much!

Our gorgeous girl

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Originally uploaded by gias_kids.

She makes my heart flutter a little bit.

Oh Christmas Tree

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Originally uploaded by gias_kids.

It took some time on a frigid December afternoon but we finally found the perfect tree.

As far as Jaida is concerned

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Originally uploaded by gias_kids.

this is THE Santa. All of the other mall Santas are simply Santa helpers. He certainly looks and acts the part so who am I to argue. Jaida decided that since there are SO many girls and boys that Santa has to remember that she would write him a note for him to keep as a reminder. After he finished reading her note he folded it neatly and placed it in his vest pocket for safe keeping.

Happy Holidays