My First Christmas

Today is a very special day. You'll never guess what happened! A man came into the house last night and dropped off a TON of presents.  See the picture below....I am not lying!

Apparently, this event happens every December 25th. All you have to do is be on your best behavior and this strange man brings you gifts. Easy enough. I KNOW I was a good girl this year.


Penny helped me open my first gift....                                    

......and Dad helped me open my second present

 By the time I opened my third gift, I was an expert.  (If you need any pointers for next year, just ask me)

Every little girl's dream is to have a pony. And guess what? That dream came true for me today! I got not one, but TWO ponies!! Don't be jealous.


Luckily I practiced my horse riding at Disneyland, so this morning I hopped right on my hot pink pony and knew exactly what to do.  (Thanks, Tia Montse for a great gift!!)

Now, this pony is really cool too. It neighs, shakes its tail, moves its head and even sings songs. It's a very talented pony. But I'm still a little scared of how life-like it is. For right now, I think I'll just rock n' roll on my hot pink pony until I'm brave enough to jump on this guy.  (Thanks Grandma Karen!)

And here's a picture of me talking to "El Tio".  I was telling him what a good holiday log he's been. The way this Catalan tradition works is that every night you give him a little bit of food and water until he gets very, very full. You have to treat him very well, sing to him and generally make sure he is happy. Then, on Christmas day, you sing a special song to El Tio, while whacking him with a stick to make sure his bowels move and he gets all the poop-presents out! (Unfortunately, I won't be able to partake  this year because I will be spending the day at Dad's parents' house. But I've heard Mateo knows just how to whack him in the right spot so that he poops a lot of presents!)

Next thing I know, Mom and Dad buckled me up and drove me back to Orange County. I woke up to find myself getting smothered with hugs and kisses by some of my most favorite people:

Great Grandma Julie                                                                       



























Great Grandma Charlotte (she came all the way from North Carolina to see me!)

                                                                                              


      Wishing you a Merry Christmas! I hope yours was as wonderful as mine.