Our family Christmas

Santa came a little late to our house this year.

Because we were in Charlotte for Christmas this year.

Grace got a new bicycle.  It met all of her requirements - it's pink.  And princess-y.  And it's a bike.  Her new ride also has streamers, a bell, and a doll carrier.  And the little foot pedals are shaped like flower petals!  How adorable is that?

Faith got a new ride, too.

And on our improvised Christmas morning, Faith woke up before Grace.  As usual.

Faith really likes her new riding toy.

She likes it a lot.  Can't you tell?

Then Grace woke up.

And she was so surprised to see her bike.  She said, "It's my bike!  San-tuh brought me my bike!"  (It's my bike!  Santa brought me my bike!)  Her excitement just melted my heart. 

David and I had actually taken Grace to Walmart a while back and let her try out all the different bikes they had.  I'm sure Walmart really appreciated her riding 5 different bikes all over their store, but how else were we to decide which bike was the best fit?  Anyway, this was the one that Grace really liked.  In fact, we had a hard time getting her out of the store without it.  So David snuck out and bought it, then loaded it and hid it in the back of our SUV while I distracted her with other toys in the store.

Grace immediately wanted to ride her new princess bike.

As soon as she hopped on she noticed her "dolly" wasn't riding in her carrier. And she needed her dolly!

So Grace ran to her room to find her and then came back to talk to Faith.

After a few minutes we pointed out the other presents to Grace.

Then she helped Faith open up the rest of their gifts.

Grace was really excited about her fairy friends - especially Tinkerbell.

Faith got some more presents, too.

She adored this little quacking duck. 

It also sings the ABCs.

And they also received a little remote controlled lady bug.  Faith squealed with delight and tried to follow it.

Grace loved working the remote control.  She's going to be a little control freak just like her Momma.

It's a really cute toy.  It lights up, plays music, and walks wherever you tell it to go.

Then Grace was kind enough to let Faith try out her new bicycle.

I think Faith has a few years before she'll be big enough.  Like Grace says, "Baits just a baby!" (Faith's just a baby!)  This was our best Christmas yet.  It's not about the presents but the memories and love we share as a family...