Santa Claus Came To Town!

ANARCHY! It was simply anarchy Monday morning in the Linskey household. After attempting to go to bed at 5:30pm Sunday night (immediately after getting back from church), the girls reluctantly were forced to eat dinner ("Mom made us!") and spent the majority of the evening planning an extravagant spread for Santa. There were carrots for the reindeer, cookies, milk, pumpkin bars, and some leftover noodles. Mmmmm....

Santa was tracked on the NORAD site, and when it looked like he might be in New York, they all scrambled upstairs and proceeded to talk and stay awake for about 2 hours. Finally, around 10pm, it seemed all were asleep.

At around 7am, witnesses several miles away reported hearing what they described as either "wet cats in dryers" or "opera singers being smacked with fish". It was the girls, squealing with shock and joy. Matthew came downstairs and was mostly confused...until he saw a train set. It was just like the one at church school. The one he has to be literally dragged away from each and every Sunday. If he breaks free anywhere in church school, that is where he goes. He has now been playing with it for close to 5 hours. He has not eaten or done anything else. He refused a chocolate doughnut so he could keep playing. He liked the other toys he got, but that is by far his number one toy of all time (thanks Cathy!!!) It also helps that many cars he also received fit on the track.

The girls were overjoyed with the cascade of new toys, books,and clothes that they received. Clothes are currently being laundered, toys are being played with, and several books and craft items are coming with us to the hotel for our Atlanta trip.

Kelly uttered the statement every father wants to hear when his daughter opens her present: "Awesome! Now I can get new shower doors! Ohh, and some mulch too! This is the best!!!" We never said she was normal....

Todd enjoyed getting everything he knew he was getting. And, he has been really taking quite an interest in all of Matthew's toys. At first, he said he was "setting it all up for Matthew". But, I swear I heard him making "vrmmmmmm" and "choo-choo" sounds. Hmm.....

We are very lucky to have a wonderful family. We want to say thanks to everyone who thought of us and wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!