I had the extreme pleasure of spending the afternoon on Christmas Eve at Laura's house. I also got to be in on the planning for her girls' Christmas surprises. I restored the hair on Amanda's doll, and aided Laura in the quest for Emily's.

Amanda was overjoyed with her gifts, which I have to say were pretty rockin' cool. She was so sweet and appreciative as well. What a doll she is!

Since the summertime, Emily has been wholly convinced she was getting the Marisol she had seen in the basement. I've been telling her for months, "Emily, you are not getting Marisol for Christmas!" She finally started to believe me when I offered to make a bet with her: "If you get Marisol, I'll give you $20 for your Lindsey Fund. If you don't get Marisol, you give me all of your Lindsey Fund." She didn't take the bet.

Emily was also *deeply* disturbed that she did not KNOW what she was getting for Christmas. Since she was three years old, she has always known. She's a classic snoop, and she's also incredibly smart. So, even what is well hidden, she figures out. This year, I bid on Emily's big gift, and it was shipped here. I packaged it to disguise the box, wrapped it and brought it to their house at the last possible moment. Emily was out of her mind! She was irritable, irritating (ask Laura) and nearly impossible in the weeks leading up to Christmas. She just could not stand not knowing!

I am happy to report that we pulled it off-- the biggest surprise you can imagine! She remained clueless right up to the moment the lid came off that box-- and the reaction was totally priceless!

I will never forget it my Christmas with Laura, Dion & my favorite girls!!!!

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115290047

Heather