Christmas 2011 Thus Far...

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath for a little "what we've been up to" post. Don't deny it. I know it's pretty much all you've been able to think about this holiday season. And I'm here to deliver!

We'll start with our most exciting news.

Guess who I saw shopping at the mall the other day?

You can't tell?

It may or may not be Melissa Gorga and her daughter being run down by a super creepy stalker... like me. Don't know who Melissa Gorga is? Well aren't you just toooo classy for Bravo TV! You think you're better than me?!

No, really, congratulations. You might be a little bit better...

Sadly, this is the only picture I got, because after I sniffed her out at Guess and started to ask her for a picture, my darling three year old bolted. And because I'm totally selfless and a super good mom, I ran after her. The things I do...

Turns out Leah's bolting was due to a little celebrity sighting of her own. Ladies and gents, the Christmas Ice Princess:

I'd say there's a pretty good chance this particular princess moonlights as a professional wrestler.

Think the Turkey Sub was phased by her deep voice and casino-esque aroma? Not a chance.

Jersey-style princesses, we love you.

We also love Macy's. Because on Friday we ventured into Manhattan to Macy's "Santa Land" to meet the man himself. And because I was so enraptured by the general splendor, I only took three photos...

Eve was completely hypnotized by Santa.

She appreciates luscious facial hair. Makes her feel all cozy and taken care of. What can I say? It's in her blood.

Leah, on the other hand, was a little put off by that crook-eye. But not so much so that she didn't go ahead and ask for a swimming pool.

There's no photo evidence of Leah's Santa visit because, well, I was sitting with her... and somehow my gut magically spilled over the top of my jeans and emerged out from under my shirt. It was a real Christmas miracle.

After Santa gave us the boot, Sam left work and met up with us at the Miracle on 34th Street Puppet Show. I dare say it's the cutest little Christmas tradition there ever was. There were no photos allowed during the show, but here's the Turkey Sub and Tiny Tuna waiting for it to start.

And finally, Saturday night we had our ward Christmas party. Sam and I both have a weird phobia about asking people to take pictures of us. There's no excuse for it. And we're getting help. But I just wanted you all to appreciate what a real victory this photo is.

Meet CrazyEyesMcBigface...

The primary, of course, reenacted the Nativity. Leah and her friends made their acting debuts as sheep. The special effects were seriously mind blowing.

The best part was that during the songs, Leah baaah-ed along in tune, pretty much louder than the ensemble as a whole.

The entire cast.

It was a glorious night, indeed.

Thanks for reading.