McCanless & Mary Clare Pennington

Christmas Day 2009

What a fun Christmas we had this year! McCanless and Mary Clare had their wish lists prepared and mailed off early and Santa did not disappoint! McCanless was so excited this year and even improved her calendar skills as she learned to read our calendar while crossing off every day in December until the “Big Day!” On Christmas Eve, she awoke, ran around the house twice, and marched into the kitchen with a puzzled look on her face. She slung open the pantry door (where I keep my calendar) and proclaimed, “HE FORGOT TO COME!” I had to explain that although we have been counting down to Christmas Eve, Santa doesn’t come until that night, and presents wouldn’t show up until the morning of Christmas day. She stopped and half-giggled and told me that only for a minute was she worried that she may have been placed on the naughty list. “Only for minute,” was she worried.

Along with calendar skills, I think we learned a bit about patience.

Santa worked hard on McCanless’ one-of-a-kind, pink, polka-dot television! (A very specifically detailed item on her Christmas list!)

Mary Clare went straight for the pink, princess toddler skates! She has worn them every day since Christmas!

Mary Clare was so excited and had to try out every single gift as she opened it. She would open a gift and play with it until I urged her to open another.

…costumes, costumes, shoes, costumes, costumes, more shoes….

No, McCanless didn’t have an elf pierce her ears! Santa left her the most beautiful and “kinda real, but not really” magnetic earrings! (Another very specific request!)

…pink polka dots, pink pj’s, pink Barbies, pink crowns, pink outfits, pink make-up, pink earrings, pink jewelry…

Santa can’t take credit for Mel’s big surprise. Papa and BB gave Mel this Sony TV on Christmas Eve, but he couldn’t stand it. He had to break it out and set it up on Christmas morning with all of the excitement going on!