Tit for Tat

I guess Santa liked the cookies and carrots we left for him and the reindeer.  He sure left a mess on my new mantle!

 

 

 
 

Sure, Jeff broke his front teeth riding his bike here, but it's a Cecchin tradition!

Oh Christmas Tree

In the wake of returning to our house, we just didn't feel totally up to decorating for Christmas.  Our cheery neighbors, however, lighted and sparkled their house to the max and Marco was very jealous.

"Avery gets a HUGE tree and it has all different colored lights!"

So, in my best PR spin, I convinced him that it would be so much COOLER to have a tree just HIS size that he could decorate ALL.BY.HIMSELF.  He's a sucker for a good lead.

We selected this beauty from the 2-4 footers at Rite Aid and it was a hit.  Marco put every single ornament on this tree and he was glowing with pride.

Christmas Candy

Jeff had a few extra hands while making his batch of Christmas torrone this year.  They even got to lick the mixer - Italian style.

We're making our little blond neighbors into good little dagos!

Please excuse Marco.

Sometimes when you've been home sick from school for three days, you get to go get ice cream.  In your PJs.  Wearing a necklace.

All I Want for Christmas

Even though Benny already told Marco that Santa wasn't "for real life," Marco remains a devotee.  He was desperate to see him again at this year's SI Santa event.  He stared with patience and dedication waiting to hear his name, shooting up to get his gift and adding "Oh and Santa?  My Mom wants to take our picture."

When it was time for a group pic, Marco jumped up and ran full speed to nestle himself right by Santa's knees.  Strategy, people.

Marco was busy across the room playing with his gift (a big hit - a whistling football) when they announced Santa's departure.  Marco broke into a sprint across the room to say goodbye and give him a huge hug and thank you.  Adorable.

Back at home, we told Marco that he should write a list for Santa.  As we painfully spelled each word while he wrote, he asked how Santa would get the list.  Since I permanently gave up stamps this year, I told him I would take a picture and text it to him.  The awe on Marco's face made me momentarily question myself.  "Yooooou can text Saaaanta?"  "Sure, of course Santa texts."  Hey, it's 2012 and the postal service is going bankrupt.

Anyway, here's the proof: