Christmas Morning

Things I look forward to Christmas morning:

5. A visit from Santa.

This tradition started only last year after Emily's terrifying visit with Santa at the mall. We were thoroughly amused by her reaction, so we arranged a special visit from Santa to the Mindt home. Sweet.

This year, we reminded Emily again that Santa had candy and presents, so she hesitantly obliged.

Ten minutes later, with no tears and probably only a small amount of subconscious trauma and childhood scaring, she emerged with her proof of victory...her very own "baby tuff" (baby stuff).

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4. Breakfast

Everyone has their own tradition surrounding breakfast on Christmas morning, but ours is simply better than yours.

Smoky Sausage Casserole and Orange Blossoms.

Some variations this year: Orange Blossoms minus the vodka for the pregnant one and the underaged, and Orange Blossoms minus the orange juice and the vodka (ie...just the ice cream) for Emily. Yum-O.

3. The thumbs-up to enjoy the day with child-like enthusiasm.

Case in point...

-searching a tree for a glass pickle

-a coloring contest between Emily and her favorite Uncle Tony

-gleefully opening stockings to find grown-up presents like lottery tickets!

-"showing" Emily how to use her toys (playing with a 2-year old's gifts)

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2. Family

We're all here! Even though we have another family to share the holidays with, and Jenn and Evan have the same, we all still meet together.

Since Ryan had to work Christmas Day, our family graciously offered to get up and meet at 7:00 am. Although that is no feat for us and our natural alarm clock (dubbed "Emily"), my sister loves her sleep-in time. Thanks for giving up a few hours of sleep so we could share a few hours together!

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1. Seeing this sweet smile all day long.

Because, who wouldn't like to see these chubby cheeks so thrilled with everything from boxes to paper to books?