SANTA, baby.

Today has been a pretty awesome day. I have been in Colorado for several days and have had the pleasure of hanging out with my sister, brother-in-law and wonderful niece and nephew. It is amazing how much better Christmas is when you have kids involved. I feel very fortunate to have a sister who loves having me over and especially love the fact that I can spoil Layne, my beautiful niece and not feel bad about it!

Christmas can be super intense when you are trying to play "hide the Santa presents" and "no kids, Santa really does exist." The best example is what happened last night. Kate and Mitch planned for Santa to come by the house and say hey to Layne and Elijah. Now, Layne is usually too smart for her own good and this situation was no different. We made Santa cookies, and around 7:20pm we headed to the front door. Layne runs out and we take pictures, she is super excited and jumping all around. But when Santa leaves she says, "why was Santa tugging at his beard?" We all look at each other trying to come up with an explanation she goes on, "I mean, I think it wasn't even real." BUSTED. We come up with Santa had a shaving accident and had to wear a fake beard this year. We hoped that it would grow back by next year. This is tough.

Anyway, I loved cuddling with her last night and watching she and her little brother open all the presents that were scattered around the living room. The best part was when she opened her American Girl doll, Lanie. She is in love with it and can't stop hugging and kissing me for her most favorite Christmas present this year. Our trip has been wounderful, and I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world. Well, maybe a neice who is a little less skeptical about Santa. Now, if we were talking Unicorns, we would have that shit locked up.

Merry Christmas to everyone, and I hope your holiday season is a joyous one.

XOXO Lacy