Fear Factor Christmas 2008

For some it is is cockroaches, spiders, snakes, heights, or water, not us, now playing at the Blood Family Circus is a special holiday episode. Thoughts of fruitcake or eggnog put our mom into orbit--the rest of us can handle all holiday joy, it's the jolly that pushes us over the edge. At the ward Christmas party as soon as Santa's sleigh bells were in earshot Brylin was in Dad's lap frowning full force with alligator tears rolling. She was emphatic, "I am not going to see him." Brant and Paisley were like lambs to a slaughter, they didn't have a clue what was coming. Soon, Brylin had a change of heart. A stocking of chocolate, yoyo, puzzle, and the old fashioned plastic writing board that erases when you lift up the plastic won her over. She did surprise her mother with some new toy to ask for, we still haven't quite figured out what it is (every mother's fear). The anxiety for Paisley started to penetrate as we neared the door way to Santa's room. She was ready to bolt, holding back the tears, until we promised Santa would allow her to simply stand next to him (posing for a picture for mom of course). Brant was all smiles, flirting with the little girls in line sharing hugs and kisses (overly excited about girls already) but when he saw the big guy in red, he lost it. Regardless of how much he loves our Santa ornament, regularly carrying it around with a happy ho ho ho, the big guy is down right frightening. Good thing they are cute enough for Santa to bring them toys anyway. Dad won the prize, he made it the whole evening without his pager going off! Mom was a close second, look at these memories...