But why can't Santa bring me a flying reindeer?

Christmas brought lots of family and laughter this year. It also brought with it a new and improved version of the Impossible Wish List. This year, "flying reindeer" had a prominent position on the list instead of bringing up the rear. So, Santa left Estelle a nice note explaining that none of the reindeer wanted to leave their family and friends at the North Pole. Apparently believing Santa to be a much better negotiator than he gives himself credit for, Estelle has declared that next year will be the year that he persuades one of the reindeer to come and live in her room.

She had fun with other lovely gifts, including a microphone that you can plug an iPod into. Mommy and Daddy got in on the action too. Even Veronica likes to hold the mike and hum into it. It also has a "beats" button, which Estelle immediately put to use delivering a rap of the ABCs. Uncle Patrick would have been proud.


Veronica had lots of fun tearing wrapping paper, pulling ornaments off the tree and eating her gifts. Oh, and watching her big sister...always that.


Most of all, we were grateful for time with family, old traditions, new traditions and all of our many blessings.