a little bit of everything...

<-- This was reminiscent of last year's attempt to take a picture with Santa, but this year Jake was a LOT more cooperative. We were finally able to step inside a mall (we've been good in avoiding mall chaos and opted to virtual-shop this year) to get some stuff for Baby E at babygap as well as get Jake's picture taken with Santa.

All along while in line, the husband and I kept engaging Jake about Santa just to make sure that he wouldn't be scared. I took him out of the line to take a peek at Santa and the other kids in front of the line and he was excited at the thought that Santa gives candy cane afterwards. When it was almost our turn, Jake saw this little boy who was having major issues with Santa, refusing to sit down on Santa's lap. Jake turned to us and said "I think I'm a little scared!" So we kept convincing him that he was a big boy and that he can tell Santa all that he wants for Christmas (which would be a big car and a big train). Then we kept practicing his smile for the picture. So when his turn came, he willingly walked up to Santa on his own (according to him, he's a big boy so he can do it!) and sat on Santa's lap. He waited to be asked what he wants for Christmas, but I guess Santa forgot :(. The smile wasn't his usual smile (I think he was a bit weirded out) but good enough for posterity sake. Because he was such a good boy, we got him some candy for treat.

The holiday party at the Wong's was great. It was nice to see everyone again. The kids all had a wonderful time and it was great to see Jake so appreciative of the gifts he received. He was contented with one box, but when his name was called again for more, he said "some more?" Auntie Es got him a travel Thomas toy which now accompanies us wherever we go. The husband outdid himself again with the roast beef spread which everyone raved about. As part of the 'clean up crew' (we take turns cleaning up whenever we come over each other's houses so we don't have to leave the clean up burden to the owners), we ended up staying later than expected. We didn't head out until 1:00am and the kids (Jake and Emma) were still wide awake. All the kids had their afternoon nap so they were all in a good mood that night.

It's good to hear people respond to our holiday newsletter this year. Makes all the work pay off...

Some of my added-on-to-the-wishlist-lastminutely....

MICHAEL Michael Kors Leather Duffle

256MB USB Drive (with leather case and chrome accents of course!)

iPod Case