I got an Amazon Gift Certificate from Aunt Marcia for Christmas, which I used to buy Photoshop/Premiere Elements, which I used to put together this video. More details later. Let’s just say that Anna and Tara scored HUGE this year.

This was the Christmas of animatronic toys. Santa brought Lucky the Amazing Puppy and an “Knows Your Name” Winnie-the-Pooh. Tara received the equivalent Dora the Explorer doll and Grandpa Ken got her a mechatronic bear that reads stories. It’s all very cool, but sometimes odd to hear extra voices in the house. The girls just had an absolutely amazing haul of toys; all the relatives were very generous as always, but Santa was also extra-generous this year, and Jennifer made sure that Santa had an up to date list of what Anna wanted. As you can see in the video, Anna just about became unhinged with excitement; note Tara piping in “Happy Birthday to You!” with her usual tuneless cheer.

Tomorrow I’m aspiring to put together the Christmas letter and maybe even a little video to accompany it. This week has been very laid back with Jennifer and I both off work, the nanny on vacation, and Jen’s mom visiting. The girls love it, but I see a rough transition to the daily grind ahead once Grandma heads out and school starts back up.