What Did You Get For Christmas?

There were certainly enough presents under the tree, but which ones stood out from all the rest? It would take a few days for the answer to emerge, but here's a recap.

From Veronica's standpoint, her favorite present had to be her first Christmas. She soaked in all the comotion that is unwrapping, smiling, posing for pictures and then playing. She did receive some pretty neat playthings, too, which the girls happily "tried out" for her.

For Emily, this Care Bear proved to be a favorite. Of course it makes noise, is soft and cuddly and one of her friends (Jennifer) has one. She also received some new discs and a set of headsets for her Video Now player. When she has the headphones on and her Video Now player in hand, dad jokes that she looks like an NBA player getting ready to hop on the team bus.

Lauren has joined the video revolution with a Video Now player of her own. After watching Emily enjoy her Video Now player for about a year, Lauren finally doesn't have to peek over her older sister's shoulder. And both girls have headphones to go with them, so there's no bothering their sisters (or parents) watching shows like "America's Funniest Home Videos."

Lauren also enjoyed getting a new coloring book and regular book from the Brooks', as did her fellow sisters.

Julia normally doesn't get into clothes. In fact, one of her favorite outfits is a pair of well-worn jeans and an Oakland Raiders jersey (No. 80 - Jerry Rice). But in this case, she absolutely adored her "Noel" sweater. Dad joked that it's her "Leon" outfit.

Julia also received a huge inflatable basketball, similar to the soccer ball Emily received a few years back. And that was the only thing she asked Santa for a few weeks ago. Again, the big guy delivers...

Olivia and her babies. Olivia and her strollers. Olivia and her new "deluxe" stroller. Yes, that's about the story of Olivia these days. She's proudly pushing the stroller all over the place. It even made a trip to one of dad's basketball practices.

Though it's not pictured here, Olivia also received a pretty neat little cash register, complete with "paging" microphone that allows her to conduct a "price check."

But the gift the girls seem to enjoy the most is our new air hockey table. Very cool. And it is certainly getting a lot of action these days.