What do you do about nosy kids [ *cough* Zane *cough* Eliana *cough* ] who threaten to sneak peeks at their presents?

If the present is in a bag, our first line of defense is to staple the sucker shut.

Actually we’re more worried about the cats getting into stuff.

After I took Zane and Eliana to school this morning, Karys wanted to bowl with me on the Wii before leaving for preschool.

Check out that form.

Now check out that final score.

A friend asked if I “helped”. In other words, did I throw the game?

Let’s get this clear right now.

Doug doesn’t throw games. For anybody.

If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. That’s what I always say.

So the truth is, I got schooled by a 4-year-old.

During the school week, I get Eliana up and put her in my recliner to watch cartoons until I get breakfast ready.

Some mornings she stays awake. Most mornings look like this.

This morning, Eliana had company.

I mentioned on Tuesday that Zane and Eliana are like two peas in a pod.

Well lemme tell ya’...

Carmi and Karys are like two peas in a pod too ‘cause… it’s all about the clothes, baby.

Here it is just 6:00 pm and Karys is already digging in her closet to make sure she has just the right outfit for preschool tomorrow.

She’s already picked out the jeans.

Oooh, but there’s a problem.

Tomorrow, her class is taking a field trip to Chuck E. Cheese (ugh) so she’ll have to wear the same class t-shirt as the rest of the kids.

No choice on the shirt = a disgruntled 4-year-old.

Which could be a good thing.

Maybe she’ll punch that mouse.

Eliana has adored her big brother since day one.

A-d-o-r-e-d him.

I can’t say that Zane’s feelings for Eliana were mutual.

There were times - in the early weeks and months - it was painfully obvious by the expression on Zane’s face that he just wanted Eliana to go away.

Far, far away.

But now? The two are like peas in a pod.

I have no idea when the about-face occurred but thankfully somebody flipped a proverbial switch.

He strokes her hair and puts his skinny arm protectively around her shoulder.

She latches onto his arm like they’re prom dates.

And they laugh. More than they fuss at each other.

It really thrills my heart to see that Zane and Eliana are finally buds.

Meanwhile…

Karys is content to play in mommy’s makeup.

Zane jumped right in when we started decorating the Christmas tree this afternoon.

He worked very diligently. But we have so many ornaments that at one point he asked, “Dad… we almost done?”