The Christmas break officially began yesterday at 3:20. I am already tired. E and The Pill spent some time with a couple of our favorite friends/babysitters, where they inherited more fabulous dress-up gear and have been entertained since.

Later last night, a knock at our door brought Santa Claus. The Pill ate up every single bit of it. Little E, on the other hand, couldn't figure out why the voice sounded familiar, but the face didn't match. At all. I even found myself sliding up next to Santa for a better look. It was good.

The Pill decided to give Chloey his new Starbuck's reindeer this morning-yes we have friends who drink and shop at the coffee shop-and even in her old age she found her inner puppy and raced all through the house. With hysterical children in hot pursuit.

The remainder of the day will be spent baking for our new neighbors. I have never been one to succumb to the the pressure of gifting the whole neighborhood, but since we are new to the street we figured it a great way to say hello.

Hoping the spirit of the season is finding you...merry. And filled with the energy of children who believe.