Santa did come!

Well, it looks like Santa understands how difficult it is for a toddler to hold it together after eating cookies and visiting big kids and their toys. James appears to have stayed on the Good Boys and Girls List.

James woke up early and then unzipped and removed his pjs while hanging out in our bedroom. OK. This means he was fully dressed for the morning's festivities (even if Mommy was still in her jammies). We had our traditional Christmas breakfast of cinnamon rolls (this year from IKEA-- Yummy!) which James called "cake" and enjoyed thoroughly.

It wasn't until after breakfast that we let James into the living room. So he didn't know that Santa had come. He was so excited! "I see Mickey Mouse," he said breathlessly.

He had a lot of fun opening and playing with his presents. As he would play with a new toy, Dan and I would seize the opportunity to open our gifts. When James saw us unwrapping packages, he would want to as well. "Present for James."

It was really fun!

Then off to Grandpa & Grandma's house.

James immediately checked out the tree and was happy to see that there were more presents. "I see stockings. I see stockings for James." James's favorite activity seemed to be pretending to make pancakes...

After lunch, James was napping and we decided to watch "Elf," for Dan's parents had never seen it. (I'd totally thrown Dan's mom off by answering the phone, "Buddy the Elf. What's your favorite color?") James woke up mid-movie, so we brought him into the family room to play while we continued the movie. Well, he was NOT a fan of "Elf" at all! He'd break into screaming cries if there was any yelling or physical roughness. And there is lots of both. So, Dan and I took turns chaperoning James in the living room until the movie was over. Oh well!

It was altogether a fun day. James still talks about presents and Santa. Yea!