Christmas 2004
For Christmas, Jen, Mal, and I flew to Annie's new house in North Carolina in
Hillsboro,
near Chapel Hill, Raliegh, and Durham. Malaren let us know through autumn what she
wanted for Christmas...
DUPLOS! (a macro-derivative of Legos, which is Danish for "Ouch! What's under my feet!?!")
So, when we had Christmas, she busted out some new Duplos from the
Dora the Exploer set. Yeah!!! (Thank you, Grandma!)
She also got a variety of other gifts, including a Princess tiara she wouldn't keep on
(except for this unique) and a tassel hat which she wouldn't take off.
Which was good. It was about 35 degrees in North Carolina.
For you Swedes, that's about -7000 Celsius. Brrr!
The O'Leary's had a Christmas ham in honor of out international guest(s).
And then presents. (Yes, the Duplo photo is out of order, but it worked better with the
autumn build-up story.)
Annie's perfect Christmas tree in her pretty house.
Barbie was a hit. She sleeps with one at nap time now . . .
Birthday Barbie tiara for our Princess.
This blue robe was a success story. We weren't too sure she'd like it -- it's not pink.
But, when we convinced her it was "Royal Power Blue," it didn't come off all
night.
Next morning (Christmas Day), Annie put Malaren on a baking project (while negotiating
a big contract with the conservationists). It was hreat to see Malaren figuring out what
constituted work well done in rolling sprinkles and squishing icing on top of the art
pieces.
We had some technical difficulties with tools malfunctioning due to clogging, but M
quickly picked up on "adult" versions of problem resolution. This is a sprinkle
container
with icing in its holes. The toothpick helped a bit more than the tongue.
There's the tongue. Getting over this sugar high took about three days.
Annie's beautiful kitchen.
Look how careful she is!
Grandma got one cookie, not sure where the rest went. Malaren, where are the cookies!?!
Next morning (Boxing Day in England) Malaren had a fun play day with Bammer, Annie's
cat.
Not sure Bammer had as much fun as M.
Later that night, Annie's beau Freddy came over and Malaren helped him open his
presents.
He got Malaren a cute little Freddy Bear. (Which had to found for bedtime the rest of the
week . . .)
Then is was bed time and time for a round of kisses good-night.
Next morning we all decidede to sleep in. Except Malaren.
Malaren recevied the classic red long underware from Grandma. Too cute!
Back home in Pensacola, we had Swedish Christmas. We couldn't take the Swedish gifts
to Annie's because Airport Security would have unwrapt them all, so we had a second
Christmas waiting us at home.
Yes, the horns play music and blink! Jen wore them as presentational aids the first day
of classes this week.
Smart. The precious tea set is perfect for Princess Tea Parties.
God Jul and thank you so very much for bringing us a wonderful Christmas 2004!