Christmas 2012

The Malekians had a wonderful Christmas this year. First, we enjoyed a very nice Christmas Eve with Oma, Papa, and most of the Aunts and Uncles. Ella received lots of wonderful presents. I think her favorite was the Minnie Mouse shopping cart and cash register Aunt B gave her.

We noticed that when she especially liked something, she would sneak off with it and put it in a special corner of the house. She was hoarding her presents! It was such a kick in the pants!

After our family celebration, we drove by the Christmas lights in the Fabulous 40s in the midtown area. Every house was lit up. It was so much fun! I think we'll have to make it a tradition.

When we finally made it  home, it was super late. After we put Ella down, we had a lot to do to get the house ready for Santa. We cleaned up, then daddy helped Santa put a very special gift together for Ella, and mommy made Paula Deen's French Toast Casserole with Praline Topping. You're supposed to prepare it the night before prior to baking. It was a bit of work, but it was so delicious the next morning and made Christmas Day extra special. I think this will have to be another Christmas tradition.

Finally, it was Christmas morning. Mommy and daddy couldn't wait for Ella to see the kitchen Santa left her. We expected lots of excited screaming, but instead Ella just stared at it for awhile and then slowly made her way over. It was very underwhelming. That's what we get for expecting things!

Later that afternoon, Nini and Grumps joined us for more Christmas fun. Ella scored again with more wonderful presents. We all did, in fact!

This is the first year that Ella started comprehending on some small level the concept of Santa Claus. She watched the classic Frosty the Snowman and Rudolf cartoons several times (two of my favorites!) and read several Santa kids books. Although she was really into Santa, I think she was more into snowmen. She loves them! We'll have to get a light up snowman for our exterior next year.

We finished the day off with more Paula Deen recipes--this time her Pot Roast and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Delicious! We had our weekly allotment of butter in our two Paula meals that day, but it was totally worth it.

We're looking forward to next year. Hopefully, Ella will be able to ride the Polar Express in Old Sacramento. YAY!