Merry Christmas!

After just waking up, Tessa is still a little dazed and doesn't know why we're bombarding her with paper-covered boxes.

Santa gave Tessa a cell phone!

Sam wants in on the action.

Our little elf likes to drink tea. Santa also gave her a play tea set. And the best part: The tea pot has a British accent!

Tessa's Tent

Practicing martial arts

One of Tessa's gifts from Santa was this igloo tent. It's big enough for Tessa to stand up in, but for Daddy and Mommy, it's a tight fit.

Christmas in Canton (a.k.a. snowed in)

Our front deck is one big snow drift.

Hello, snow!

A sea of snow (It looks so depressing.)

Looking beyond our back deck, the neighbors' drifts look to be about 5 feet.

We were supposed to be in Albert Lea on Wednesday night through Sunday, celebrating Christmas with Grandpa & Grandma Trygstad, Matt, Natalie & John and Christina & Eric, but Mother Nature had other plans for us: Christmas in Canton. Southeast South Dakota (and most of the Midwest, actually) was under a winter storm warning since Wednesday afternoon, and as of Thursday, much of Interstate 29 and Interstate 90 were closed, and where they weren't, no travel was advised. So, we hunkered down and stayed warm indoors. We'll just look forward to postponed family Christmas celebrations. We thank God we're all safe and sound.

Tessa's Tea Party

Unwrap the Magic

Tessa isn't sure what to think about opening gifts, but she likes the end result! (Sorry it's so dark!)

Christmas Eve

Tessa seems to think Sam is on Santa's naughty list. And for the record, we did not teach her how to scold! We're guessing she learned it at daycare. Oh, the things they pick up!

Baby Mama

Tessa started playing mommy in the last few weeks. In addition to "changing her stuffed animals' diapers," she gives them "baths" (I trailed her as she put a teddy bear in our bath tub the other day), and puts them to bed for nap time. I think we'll give her the vacuum next and see what happens!

'Crackah!'

Tessa meets Santa Claus

Tessa met Santa for the first time at Good Samaritan Society – Canton. She sat on his lap, but did not tell him what she wants for Christmas. She was probably too busy wondering what her crazy parents were subjecting her to now. Some of the residents were handing out candy canes to the kids, and I'm pretty sure Tessa got a good share of their stash. Tessa soon let us know she LOVES candy canes! (She's eating one in the second pic.)

Como Zoo Excursion

Thanksgiving in Minneapolis

Tessa thoroughly enjoyed her first edible Thanksgiving; not so much the food (she devoured the cranberries but became a pro at taking turkey out of her mouth), but playing with Uncle Aaron and chasing dog cousins Lola & Tommy. During the weekend at Aaron and Jessica's house, Tessa began saying "doggy!" and (how apropos), "thank you!"