The Continuing Adventures of the McCollums: Mare-uh-ee Kwriss-miss!

Thomas is in full swing with the Christmas spirit. I thought it would be most accurate as well and most entertaining to provide you with some quips and pictures from our holiday.

When we talk about Santa, Thomas knows that Santa brings presents and "say-z" (says) "Ho, Ho, Mare-uh-ee Kwriss-miss!" That doesn't stop Thomas from being utterly terrified of him. In our two encounters with Santa this year, Thomas has nearly broken into tears and said, "Thomas scared" and crawled into the nearest relative's arms with a death grip on that person's neck. This is often followed by "Thomas sleep now."

"Daddy talking Santa?"

"Mommy hug Santa?"

"Caca talking Santa?"

"Presents Santa, Laur?"

"NO NANA!"

Despite his relectance to go within ten feet of Santa, there was one VERY tempting thing about him. Santa brought "can-nee!!!" (candy). Thomas still has quite a sweet tooth and despite the very fun little remote controlled bike he brought Thomas, the candy cane clearly trumped the presents. There are no pictures of candy consumption since he devoured pieces in record time. Other feasting, however, is well-documented.

Thomas loves Nana's cake

And the mini "sa-nitch-chiz" (sandwhich) Papa made for him, complete with accompanying pickle, one of Thomas' favorites

Thomas enjoyed his time playing with Daddy and some presents, but loved bringing "Charlie Dog" along on his adventures. "C'mere, Charlie Dog!" "Good Charlie Dog," "No, Chuck. Mine!"

When it was too cold out "Baby, cold outside!" or too dark "Dark outside," Thomas dragged numerous VanDusens down to the "si-yur" (cellar). Papa was a favorite since they built things "down 'ere" (down there).

When all else failed, we took our Christmas dance party on the road to a Lake George park with a bandstand that had some lights. The few lucky walkers by got a real treat!