Monday, January 5, 2009

Christmas - It was the best gift EVAH!

It's January 5th. I can still talk about Christmas, right?

We had a great holiday. We got to visit with Santa. With the ER doctors. And with each other.

After Madalyn's visit to the ER on Christmas Eve to get her splint. We did manage to get ourselves to church. Where Madalyn could proudly show off her arm. And tell the Pastor how I didn't believe her. And we got to listen to Katie play "I wonder as I wander" during the service.

After church we went home to cook dinner. And usually we have a Thanksgiving redux. I am not sure why as I do not like Thanksgiving food. So this year we did things a little differently. My mom had gotten us steaks from Omaha steaks. So, Michael grilled those. Grilled some asparagus. And I made Pioneer Woman's twice baked potatoes. It was all rather delish.

And then the girls got to open their first Christmas gift. It's always pajamas. And it's always matching. Madalyn was told by the doctor to not use her hand. So, she tried to open her package with her feet. She was rather miffed that I got them matching clothes. Really miffed. Which got me rather exasperated. Once a year I can get them to match. When it's my idea. Now, next year, I think that Katie will fully be entrenched in junior sizes. So matching will be a thing of the past. Can we have a moment of silence? I am still grieving the loss of Gymboree clothes.

I might need another moment.

Sigh. Okay. I think we can move on now.

The kids put on their pajamas.

I am not even sure what happened then. But I managed to tame them for a moment. Except that they felt the need to channel the Rockettes. Before they could pose with Santa's cookies. And then they were sent to bed.

And when they got up the next morning. They were surprised with the best Christmas gift.

They quickly figured out how to work it. And Santa was kind enough to hook all the stuff up so it was ready to play. They played wii sports. They played Cooking Mama. They played Sims Castaway. And I they became rabidly addicted to Sims.

And then we opened Mario Kart. That Heather told Santa to bring to them. And now. Mario Kart is all that we play. Even Madalyn. Who figured out how to drive with a cast on her arm. (Yep. She graduated from a splint to a cast.)

We even got my mom to play. She keeps looking for the blue hair lane. And driving cautiously. Sometimes she actually wins.

But you know what? There was more. There was another gift. It was the best evah. Here are the girls with it on Christmas morning.

It's a stroller. But no ordinary stroller.

It's a kitty stroller. Yes, really. A stroller meant for the kitties. It's got mesh viewing windows. And it zips so that they cannot escape.

I am not sure if it was the best Christmas gift for the girls. Who can now take the kitties out on walks. Or if it was the best for the kitties.

Those same kitties who now sit in the stroller. And cry to be taken out for a walk.

ETA: Yes...the kitties really do LOVE that stroller. My mother will not reveal how much she paid...but I really didn't think they'd go for being zipped in it. On the first walk of the day, one kitty did freak out. She was let out. And she stood at our glass front door and watched her sister go on a walk. She cried. She felt left out. Really. And now they both are constantly clamoring for walks. I swear that these kitties are really dogs in disguise.

So...what about you? What was the favorite gift this year? Do you have a wii or game system? Do you have a favorite game? Have you entered the contest?

post signature

Theme song: Julie Andrews - I wonder as I wander. Because it is still Christmas. At least until tomorrow.

51 comments:

Elena said...

LOL!! I love the kitty stroller. I used to do that to my poor pets when I was a kid. Great memories. Someday we should hook up online with Mario Cart and race each other. Although, I can't play that game worth a darn, so you'd have to race Carter, the 4 year old to any competition. Looks like Christmas was great for you and losing the matching clothes is worthy of mourning for mommy.

My Two Army Brats said...

I love the stroller too cute! That cracks me up! I'm surprised the cats want to go for rides and don't protest to being zipped in!

Shannon said...

Great googly moogly! You've got 272 followers?!!?!?!??! Were you aware of that?!!?!?!?!?!


Love the matching jammies. And I'm with you about missing Gymboree clothes. H can still wear their clothes... but this past year she has refused to. 'Cause they aren't cool enough. Whatev.

We love our Wii... love it. MarioKart is a fave. We got a few games for Christmas... Shane got the new Tiger Woods golf and Big Brain Academy. M got Disney Princesses Enchanted Journey (or something like that). And Super Monkey Balls:Banana Blitz. I'd never heard of it but a guy @ Toys R Us recommended it... and the girls love it.

Shannon said...

Oh... Carnival Games is a great one, too!

Maggie R said...

Kitty strollers?!?!?! what next!! haha.... Looks like they enjoy it.
The girls are adorable and look so sweet in their matching jammies. Reminded me of my 2 girls.. when they were young I always sewed for them and would make their outfits from the same fabric but different styles... The younger one would be so sick of them as she got to wear the hand-me -downs too!!! Never knew this until they were all grown up!! VBG
Happy New Year...
Ps... there was no grilling around here at Christmas, The BBQ had 2 feet of snow on it...EEK!!
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie
waving from southern(yeah right!!) Ontario, Canada

Unknown said...

My favorite gift hasn't come yet. I got money from family so I bought myself a pretty little butterfly necklace from Tiffany's. I have always wanted something from there and since hubby is more the type to buy electronics instead of jewelry, I took care of it myself :)

We have a playstation but don't use it often cause I don't like video games and it makes my Boo get sassy to the extreme. Hubby plays occasionally.

A Friendly Reader Only said...

Looks like you had a wonderful christmas. My best present was having my children at home for christmas morning. Since they are older all we have now on christmas mornings are their stockings - but I sure load them up with all kinds of little items.

lynette355 said...

It looks like the girls had a wonderful time. Our neighbors got a Wii and we have played sports with them. I agree it could become totally addictive. Fun to be interactive in a game for once. The stroller is funny. I think my cats would tear me up before I got them in it. At least the older two. They hardly even let me pet them.

Finding Normal said...

Crack up at the stroller! My cat would seriously claw my face off if I even attempted that! My fav gift was a pile of books. YAY books! We have an Xbox and an Xbox 360, neither of which ever get played. I don't even try them, although I do kick butt on Diego on the Leapster. Level 3...2 digit numbers baby!
On PJs--Nick and Nora jams at Target. Addison and I could've been rocking out in matching jams, if I had planned ahead and bought them at the same time. Or been a size smaller since they were out of XL by the time I bought my own. Alas, hers were pink with kittens and mine were green with mice. Still cute though!

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Love the jammies!! Great photos too!!!

Love Pioneer Womasn twice baked potatoes!! YUM-O!

Madalyn picked a pretty color cast!!!

Twisted Fencepost said...

My favorite Christmas gift?
My Blackberry. Love it!!
How about you?

Mimi said...

OMG, I totally want a kitty stroller now!

My best gift is a hand made bed cover made of over 2,000 yo-yo's that my mom made by hand. She worked on it for over 2 years!

BTW, you may not want to break it to your beautiful girls just yet, but you can get matching jammies for all sizes from Hannah Andersson. They have great ones at Christmas time!

http://www.hannaandersson.com/home.asp

Gina said...

My daughter would love that stroller. The cat, I suspect, not so much.

Megan R. said...

I LOVE that you give them pajamas every year! We had the exact same tradition as kids....we could always open one present on Christmas Eve and it was always new pajamas. Ours weren't matchy matchy since I have a brother, not a sister, but I loved that tradition!

My best present this year was having my baby and spending time with him as a family! Oh, you meant best present that was PURCHASED?? My brother gave me this really neat 3.5 inch mini digital picture frame. It comes with a case, so you can carry it in your purse, and it holds a TON of pics. So, I can show off my little chunky monkey!

Shalee- Be Speechless said...

Oh my that Kitty Stroller is too funny. I highly doubt my cats would've ever gone for something like that but now that they are old farts you never know.

So my best gift this year was a beautiful riding jacket that Travis got me so I can be safe while riding with him.

Unknown said...

ooo I miss the days of matching PJ's...they have NOTHING like that over here.... Looks like the girls had a blast. I am sooo loving my wii... ( I mean, the kids wii....)
Happy New Year!

KimmyJ said...

So cute! I always get my kids PJs on Christmas eve as well. But they would be totally MAD if they matched each other - boys are that way! :)

Michelle said...

There's an old lady in my neighborhood that walks her cats in a contraption much like a stroller. I always made fun of her! I guess if the kitties like it...

Now I feel horrible. Thanks. A lot.

MaBunny said...

Wow, looks like a great time was had by all. i'm glad you enjoy your wii, we want one soo bad...

Rhea said...

First off, those matching pjs are ADORABLE. And the looks on their faces as they go wild...and when they open the Wii, HILARIOUS!!!

And that kitty stroller...my words fail me.

I'm flabbergasted. I love it. Your kitty stories are THE BEST.

Brandy said...

I love Katie's face in the Wii picture...she is so excited!! And the pj's are adorable. I want some!

A cat stroller? Never heard of it but it's a cool idea. Oh there goes my song...Pop-u-lar...stalling so I can hear it.

Mama Dawg said...

That kitty stroller is awesome.

We want a Wii in our household. We only get to play at our friends houses.

Maybe for LOML's b-day. We'll see.

I have to confess that one of my fav gifts was a stolen item. My old neighbor (and friend) had someone who was doing work at the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans steal me a tiny silver spoon with the Fairmont "F" on it and it says "Fairmont Hotel" on the back. It's such a landmark in that city and it's going away for good. So, I now have a permanent reminder of the Fairmont.

We only have DS. I love the Mario games.

Sarah said...

Great post! I played Wii on New Year's Eve with my sister. We bowled. I don't have one, but I think I could easily be addicted!

Jennifer P. said...

Kitty in a stroller beats kitty on a leash any day :)!

Glad you had a great Christmas. I think that wii will be some serious competition for your blog. I know I often think about playing Rockband while I'm blogging :)!

Glad the Kat's had such a Merry Christmas---cast and all!

Stephanie said...

that is sooo funny! I never would have imagined the kitties would have liked the stroller!! too cute!!


and mariokart is the BEST!

Jen said...

Ah the Wii, we have a HUGE love affair with the Wii too. Especially bowling for which I just happen to be the family Wii bowling champ!
I LOVE the kitty stroller, awesome.

Lula! said...

A stroller for the kitties? Are you for real? Is Kathy for real?

We have a Wii. It's been broken for a year now.

But the Xbox is played nightly...by Scott...with his online buddies. I will never understand why he doesn't get blogging.

My favorite gift--still not telling.

Teri said...

I am amazed that the kitties actually liked being zipped up. I wonder if they are plotting a grand escape.

Yes, we have a Wii (your girls played it at my grad party). Oh, how I love Cooking Mama. She gets mad really fast. Especially when I keep pouring eggs all over the place. That stuff is hard to pour virtually, you know?

Anonymous said...

what a fabulous reason to go for a walk! that might be just the motivation we need around here-a cat stroller! I love it! and i know what your mom paid because i looked it up on the internet--ha!

LadyStyx said...

A kitty stroller...*gigglez* my cat would NEVER consent to being in one of those.

As for the best gift here, has to be the flatscreen we bought for the computer room (aka office)upstairs. Now if I could get him to get rid of the big screen downstairs and buy a new one for the livingroom.....

Claremont First Ward said...

So glad you had such a wonderful Christmas......Happy New Year!

Mrs Anne said...

HAPPIEST NEW YEARS!

the action shots are amazing!

the fact that she can open her presents with her feet is a talent beyond words! (get that on video!)

:) happy day to you my friend!

xo

Mariah said...

My fav gift? Having all of my family at my house and cooking breakfast with my sister and brother...

Unknown said...

A kitty stroller?? We11, I'd never believed it if I hadn't seen it!!! :-)

Cute idea though. :-)

Like the matching pj's ...very Christmas morning..

Don't have a Wii yet, but I want one. I'd really like the Wii fitness program... looks like fun.

I'm still fascinated by that kitty stroller...

Cassie said...

I LOVE the kitty stroller! Super cute jammies for the girls too!

ChicagoLady said...

Looks like the girls really liked their presents. Well, except for the pajamas, maybe.

I don't have a Wii, or a PS3, or an XBox. I have my computer. That's it. I don't have anyone to play with anyway, so what's the fun?

My best present is the one I haven't picked out yet. I got some money, and I'm still dithering about what to buy.

Susie said...

We got a new Wii this year. It is great family fun. Even Grandma played!!

Linda said...

The look on your girls' faces when they opened the Wii ... priceless! The kitty stroller is hysterical ... my girls will want one for sure. I bet our cat would love it too.

Fav gift this year ... a hardcover copy of the book Emma, signed by my own 3-year old Emma. Again, priceless. We don't have a Wii, but my son wants one. Maybe next year.

Michelle said...

Oh that's hilarious! As a child I used to take my cats on walks in strollers. They weren't huge fans, but it wasn't too bad. I think. I LOVE how cool it was.

Oh, and were their pjs satin, or was it just the lighting?

MY best gift? A Vitamix! I'm still excited. and a guy I work with (man's man's man) heard I got one and was totally geeked out and told me it makes the best tortilla soup EVER. I can't wait to make it :)

Jenners said...

Great great photos!

We got a Wii last year and played about 3 hours a night for 5 months straight and then totally burned out! We loved Rayman's Rabbids and Wario Ware Smooth Moves -- both very fun and strange party games. And Wii Big Brain Academy is fun too.

My best Christmas gift was a steam mop -- anything to make my life easier!

Heather said...

I am loving the stroller, too! Those kitties have y'all so whipped, you know that, right?

Great photos.

Julie said...

Looks like a great Christmas! We just got the wii and are loving the Sims, in sort of an exclusive do nothing else sort of way.

Anonymous said...

Very cute. No grown up matching PJs?

Inspiration CAN be found EVERYWHERE said...

I love the kitty stroller. My little grey furbaby always wants to go out - until she's out and then the little scardy cat wants to go back inside. She doesn't mind her "carrier" with the mesh sides so long as when she's in the car she can get out if she chooses to .... and then back in.

I may have to look into this one - or something like it.

I'd love to get a Wii and a WiiFit, but IF you can find them around here the price is unbelievable. Perhaps later in the spring it will be better. (Perhaps one of the "benefits" of this crappy economy).

Anonymous said...

That's great - I'm so tickled by the cats with their stroller. We have a Wii as well and my boys are obsessed with the exact same games - it all looks very familiar.

Aubrey said...

You guys look like you are always having a GREAT time. What a happy family!

Love the Wii! Unfortunately, hubby traded ours in for a 2nd 360. Boo on him!

There's really a kitty stroller??? OMG. Your cats are too much!

sassy stephanie said...

We got a Wii right when we moved in to the new house. Got lots of new games for Christmas, but my 3 yr old boy's fave is still Mario Kart. And don't think for one minute you can play and be the green Yoshi. He is ALWAYS the green Yoshi.

TuTu's Bliss said...

That's great..are your kitties ragdolls? We have a ragdoll and I swear that she is a dog in disguise.

Nissa said...

Don't forget about your awesome friend, Nis who found you that great deal on the wii! lol

I want a kitty stroller, too! Ringo is always trying to sneak out the door. This would be such a treat!

Favorite Wii game: American Idol, or Wii Fit.

I just finally entered The Contest!

Nissa said...

Oh, and Tristan loves Mario Kart, too!

You might still be able to find matching jammies at The Children's Place next year. I love that I can actually buy for both of my kids there. Not for much longer, but it's been nice.

Rhea said...

How often do you walk the kitties?

My boys love Wii but we don't have the steering wheel accessory. I know they'd like that. And there's a gun one too. I know they'd LOVE that.