Christmas in Derry requires a trip to the mall to see Santa (which again, Riley was NOT having), and riding the train (which as usual, Riley could not get enough of). Thanks, grammy!
The night Russell arrived in PA, Kelly and Bob were so sweet to pick him up at the airport and bring him right to Will's birthday party at Beth's house. Will was so funny... everything was Speed Racer. And, every gift he opened, he handed to his older brother, saying "Nick, this one is for you!!" Very cute. I didn't get many good photos of that evening because I was on video duty, but here are my mom and Russell at the party:
And here is the best of that video, exhibiting the trick that Riley decided to teach all the other kids. Riley couldn't get enough of Shannon. They were the best of friends.
Since we were going back to San Francisco a couple of days after Christmas, we asked Santa to come early to grammy and papa's house, so Riley could have all week to play with any toys he might bring. It was a good idea, but in hindsight, was strange to wake up on Christmas day and put a turkey in the oven but have nothing to open... we'll try to plan better for next year.
So, this was our "Christmas morning". We all woke up with sore throats and hoarse voices. But, we still had fun. Riley was reluctant to open the big gifts, as you'll see. She thought they were too big for her, even though they were in the tell-tale Santa wrapping paper, just for Riley. Yes, Riley got the blue sled she requested from Papa, and no, we didn't get one ounce of snow the entire 12 days we were there! Bummer.... I think that was the only week this winter that it didn't snow in Derry.
One more thing. As Riley mentioned at the end of the Christmas morning video, she would play with her kitchen set in the 'hobbit house'. Papa built her a little tree house in the attic of the shed.
I think Russell got more use out of it during that particular visit since it was pretty chilly up there (electric baseboard heat can only do so much when it's 20˚ outside), but it is all decked out, Riley-style. Wow, grammy and papa, you've really outdone yourselves on this one!! Check it out:
