We and our Wii and Other Updates

I could never give back enough to everyone who gave to us this year. I have to try though. My neighbor gave us so much from decorations (she made a wreath for my front door) to big fluffy towels. I am a scrooge, I won't lie about that. I just hate christmas because it is about who can top who. I had gotten to the point where I would just rather sit in my house and read until the whole thing was over. BUT I do have a daughter who wouldn't appreciate that.

She got to spend some time with Mimi and Papaw before Christmas on a trip to Austin , TX to see Uncle John and Aunt Stacy. They visited the Alamo, the Trail of Lights and Alvin and the Chipmunks, the movie. Uncle John, big kid that he is, had Guitar Hero 3, a big screen TV and two big fluffy dogs. Aunt Stacy gave her an Angelina Jolie hairdo. My child was in heaven. On the way home she visited with Aunt Sandi, Uncle Mark and Adeline. She and Adeline were thick as thieves the whole time. I think Adeline is accustomed to sleeping alone and rooted Marli out of the bed a time or two. It's all part of the experience. Makes for a memorable trip. Darn that Big Pooh.

She knows that we are Santa so we didn't do the usual Christmas morning surprise this year. We opened everything Christmas eve night. She got a Wii from Papaw Jerry so we went to his house first on Christmas Eve, then we came back home to open gifts here. Had to do it in that order, because WE got the games to go with the Wii. That thing is addictive, ya'll.

She got her Wii and several games. One of which she has already grown tired of so we traded it in on another one today. She got almost everything on her list. The laptop will have to wait. I found out that when your kid becomes a tween the clothes become much much more expensive and the same amount we spent on clothes last year would double and then some. Also found out that she wears a size 6 1/2 shoe. I wear a 5 1/2 so I get some serious hand-downs.

I did get a little gift money and you know me, headed for the bookstore. BTW, Aunt Sandi, Marli got the money from those already read books put on a gift card. She hasn't made up her mind yet on which book to get. I found a Phillip Pullman box set (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass). Oh, and thanks for the t-shirt! I wore it shopping today.

Also, today I got my books from paperbackswap.com in the mail. Book Three on The Lost Years of Merlin and the Life Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. I am reading The Alchemist now as well. I have about 7 different books going at once. It's bad to do it that way, but I can't help it. I have to start one when I first get it, whether I am still in the middle of another one or not. Maybe I should have bought a bookshelf instead...

I HAVE TO GO BACK TO WORK TOMORROW! I won't know where I am when I get there. I have the best boss in the world . He let us have from December 21st to December 27 as a vacation. And I got a wonderful Christmas bonus to boot. A fat check and a one hour massage coupon. He's a big hearted guy.

We have one more stop to make for Christmas. Going to Mimi's and Papaw's on Saturday. I am excited about that, for sure! After that's over, it will be fireworks for New Years Eve and then no more time off til Good Friday. Better enjoy it! That's a long unvacation.