MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The positive side of being a divorced mom, is that I had extra time to wrap presents this year! I was too tired last night to wrap, so I didn't since Kyra is with her dad... I wrapped her gifts this morning. We had plans to spend our 3rd annual Christmas at the Thornhill's this afternoon/evening. I went to their house mid-afternoon, and then took Colleen with me to pick up Kyra at her dad's house at 4 p.m. We then returned directly to the Thornhill's home. We had lots of fun hanging out with our friends. As usual, the food was delicious! And I was pleased that everyone loved my berry/walnut/coconut/spinach salad. I made it last year and they requested it again for this year. Easy. In addition to grilling the perfect prime rib, Jim also made the most amazing gingerbread man martini's! The girls performed a spectacular magician show after dinner. Fun times!!!

We left the Thornhill's house around 10 p.m. and came home to open presents. Kyra had only asked for two things for Christmas: Breyer horse accessories and a dip-n-dot maker. Thankfully she received the dip-n-dot machine at her dad's house! Santa's gifts to her at our house were all Breyer horse items, plus one game (Last Word). As you can tell from this first picture, she was quite thrilled to receive the Breyer horse barn! She's wanted it for years! Santa also gave her a traditional size Breyer horse, a woman English rider, a male farrier, a stable cleaning kit, English riding accessories (saddle, bridle, etc.), Western riding accessories, horse blankets, and more.

Tiger (our cat) gave her a Littlest Pet Shop pumpkin kitty. Riley (our golden retriever) gave her a Go Fish card game set (pictured). {Click here to see the blog post about when they played Go Fish in November.} I gave her an Equestrian Land Conservation Resourse Breyer horse which she named "Amigo" and she said it is her FAVORITE horse, a Lego kit for the Sears Tower {Click here to read the blog post about our visit to the Sears Tower in Chicago}, nail polish, socks, and a penguin stuffed animal. I owe her a Vera Bradley purse and wallet, which I bought a month ago and hid so well that I can't find it!

Kyra gave me a Georgia Tech snuggie, a Sigg water bottle with my name on it, and two amphipod waist packs (different sizes) to store items in while running (phone, keys, gel packs, etc.). Because it was so late and we have to get up early in the morning, we didn't have time to play with presents. I tucked Kyra into bed around 11:30 p.m. in her freshly painted room (which she loves!). Then I climbed into bed also, after setting my alarm clock for 6:15 a.m. Wish we had more time, but am greatful to spend this afternoon/evening with friends.

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!