I bought a couple new Christmas decorations this year when they were practically giving stuff away at the stores on Black Friday My favorite new decoration really symbolizes this year for the Murphy kids…
This is the first year that all three are completely and utterly excited about Christmas. We have spent lots of time talking about Mary, Joseph and the fabulous baby Jesus. We have spent 3 weeks chasing the elf all over the house and planning our lists of toys that Santa needs to bring. Their fear of being “naughty” hasn’t necessary prevented behaviors but it is easier to correct when you have Santa in your corner. Overall, I’m pretty sure they just think they are all the “nicest” kids around so they have nothing to worry about.
They prepared their “final” lists weeks ago when we were scheduled to go to the TCU Dallas Alumni Event where we talk to Santa and make gingerbread houses.
Unfortunately, I didn’t realize the TCU event was rescheduled until the night of (like as we were driving there). In order to not let down some very excited kiddos who were expecting to see Santa after school, we headed to North Park Mall to try and see the big guy in the red suit there. Insert lots of laughter at this naive idea…we are obviously North Park Santa virgins. It was a Tuesday night but the line (if you did not get a ticket at 9am) was going to be minimum 2 hours. We are insane but not that insane We took our traditional North Park pic, shopped, hung out with a nutcracker, ate a pretzel or two and played on the flower planters down by the turtles before calling it a night. The kids were surprisingly okay waiting another week and a half to see Santa.
Today marked the rescheduled TCU Alumni event. My kids would finally get to see the guy in the red suit 3 days before Christmas. They had their lists in hand and were so excited to get to talk to the main man in charge of all those presents! It was well worth the wait!
The minute we arrived, the kids got in line with their letters in hand to talk to Santa…no nervousness, just straight up “I’m so glad we finally hooked up so I could let you know what to bring” attitude! What a change from last year when Bree wouldn’t answer any of Santa’s questions!
Bennett snapped this close up pic of Santa during the event and I think it totally describes this Santa…so real…so approachable…
Did I mention THIS. HOUSE. BELIEVES!
Santa clarified with Bennett that he really just wanted books, some more books and then some more books!
Santa asked Bauer all about his love of Star Wars (everything on his list involves Star Wars Angry Birds) and Santa told him that his favorite character is Yoda!
Bree talked all about turning 7 in a month and her upcoming hula birthday party!
After all the Santa excitement the kids went fishing for some Christmas Snoopy dogs….Bauer played this game over and over and just like the boy he is, eventually broke the rod. Awesome. Sorry TCU, I’m sure you can afford another one!
Then it was finally gingerbread house building time (mom’s favorite part)…the best part is that the houses come already built! Here is the before pic:
At some point Sean found me alone decorating…I have no shame and continued on…
After all our hard work we hung out with Santa again…this time we got a family pic!
And Bree got some more time with Santa….when did she grow up???!!!!
And probably my favorite moment of the afternoon was when Santa had Bennett giggling….preciousness.We finished our adventure with some fun pictures on the way out of the venue.
And much to the kids’ delight, Santa happened to be leaving the party at the exact same time. On the walk outside, he explained that the sleigh and reindeer are being prepared by the elves for Tuesday night so he had to take an airplane and rent a car to get to this event. It made complete sense to the kids.
The kids squealed when they realized Santa was driving a Prius (since that’s what Sean drives). They thought that was so cool and I told Santa I was really happy he was so environmentally friendly! He gave them one last hug and our Santa adventure was complete!
Sean and I couldn’t let the kids have all the fun! Bree took a great pic of Sean and I with the big guy! He didn’t have to ask us what we wanted from Santa this year, we already got what we wanted this Christmas….
…a date night to celebrate all the joys and challenges of 2013 and a bond to keep us working hard together in 2014 (we went this past Friday night)!
We are well aware that the new Christmas decoration also pertains to the older folk in the Murphy house. I strongly believe that while life may be messy, it is also wonderful because you get so many chances to keep trying to get it right and you have some pretty cool people to share the ride with.
We are so ready to experience a great Christmas morning full of belief in each other and in all the good that will come this next year. We hope all our friends and family near and far can experience a little “belief” this Christmas as well. Happy Holidays!