Before I forget, Brian made his version of a Niagara Falls cake. We used to get this cake at Max's Opera Cafe in San Bruno, CA. It is a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting and chocolate ganache. Yumm-o!
For the first time in four years, we got to spend Christmas at home in Vancouver! Traditionally, we have decided to spend Christmas Eve at Grammy and Grandpa's for lasagna and the opening of one gift, and then Christmas Day at our home. After we made our way across snowy roads to Grammy and Grandpa's, Grammy didn't disappoint, as her lasagna was terrific as usual. Then we decided to open presents - a few more than one, so that Grandpa didn't have to load up too many the next day. Sydney played Santa with gusto, wishing every present recipient "Merry Christmas" and "ho ho ho."
Sydney waited patiently for her turn, but was still very excited.
Santa Sydney delivers to Grammy.
Helping Grandpa Jim with his gift. (Sydney helped everyone open gifts.)
The next morning, Grammy and Grandpa came over at 6:30 to be here when Sydney woke up! Mom and Dad had been up till 2am with little sleep due to baking and assembling (shhh, it's from Santa), and Sydney got up around 7:45. Nonetheless, the excitement couldn't be contained as Sydney realized as she headed down the hallway that Christmas had come, and that Santa had come!
The big ticket item - her own red kitchen!
Complete with apron, microwave, fridge, stove, oven, sink and phone, she's already baked lots of Christmas cookies.
Sydney enjoyed everything she received - a robe, slippers, camera...
Baby with stroller and more accessories than she ever needed...
And wooden fruits and vegetables (shown here in the foreground) that she can cut! Here she is taking a picture with her new Elmo camera, of her new and old elephants.
We had a great day and feel extremely thankful for our friends and family, and for all we have received. This year's gift-giving was scaled back tremendously, and we didn't even miss a thing. Sydney was spoiled a bit (that's apparently what grandparents are for) but overall, we enjoyed the simplicity of it all and hope to carry it on in the future. Hope everyone out there in blog-checking land had a good day as well.
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