PAR - TEEE!

The Christmas party at work was really nice. On the way there I called my mother and invited her along. She basically dropped everything and came! I was glad she could make it and so was Erika.So first Grandma and Erika sat down to do some crafts. In the picture above they are making some sort of winter thermometer. I was grateful that my mother was there because I didn't feel like doing that! Erika was very into the whole project and they both worked well together. It was a special moment. I love how Erika looks sitting like a big girl at the lunch table.

And then Santa Claus came! He had a gift for each child that was there and when Erika's name was called, she went right up to claim her gift. She was the second child to get called. I wasn't sure how she would handle the whole situation and it ended up going well. She brought her gift back to Mommy and Grandma to open.So Erika got the fridge phonics toy. It goes on the refrigerator and makes the sounds of all the letters and also sings the alphabet. Santa must have known how much Erika enjoys this toy at Michelle's house. But guess what Erika did after she open her gift and checked it out???
She brought the gift back over to Santa! It was so cute and everyone thought it was funny. I don't know what she was thinking as to why she gave it back. I don't think it was because she didn't like it. Maybe she thought that it belonged to him? I don't know but it went down as one of those moments I will never forget and I am sure I will be telling her about one day.After some more crafts with Grandma,a pinata, and an unpleasant photo shoot with Santa, the party was over.Yup, Erika was fine with Santa while he was passing out gifts but she was less than thrilled to sit on his lap and take a photo! So I am glad I know this before taking her and paying at the mall to get the same reaction out of her! After the Christmas party, the three of us went Christmas shopping. First a Target run and the to Kohl's. I did accomplish a lot and Erika's behavior was great. She put up with a lot and we were out till after 11:00! It was a nice night. Erika is funny, she calls my mother "Dinan." I think she is trying to say "Grandma" but I don't know where she gets "Dinan" from!