Annual Christmas Camp-In

Last year for Christmas we got a tent for our backpacking hobby.  I had the urge to try it out but being December I knew Arthur wasn't going to be in for a true camping trip so I suggested setting up the tent in our living room and camping in front of the Christmas tree one night.  Since he loves me (and spoils me) he agreed.  This year I could tell he was less than thrilled about sleeping in the living room when he had a cozy bed on the other side of the wall.  Therefore I recruited someone who was a little more enthusiastic to participate in my annual Christmas camp-in-- our 4 year old niece.
On Friday night Arthur picked her up after work to come spend the night at our house.  I would have loved to hear the conversation between the two of them.  Arthur tells me that they discussed My Little Pony, our niece's favorite subject currently, and then she fell asleep for the rest of the trip home.  After dinner we had her assist us in decorating for Christmas.  She really took to our miniature nativity set and played with it for quite a while.  It is very interesting to hear a 4-year old perspective of the Christmas story.  There might be some theology flaws that will have to be addressed later but
still highly entertaining.  After decorating the Christmas tree we had several books to read which has always been one of her favorite hobbies.  I read The Velveteen Rabbit, Arthur took charge of Porky Puppy, and she "read" a Golden Book version of The Christmas Story.  I got in trouble for talking too much while we were reading and was asked to stop interrupting.  My favorite part of The Christmas Story that she read was the page that had several horses in the stable.  She "read" extensively about allergies  with hay and horses and that baby Jesus shouldn't be in a stable if he has allergies.  (Her dad is fairly allergic to horses and can't be around them while she and her mommy love horses.)
Next it was time to set up the tent in the living room.  She has played in our tent before and loves that it has two doors.   She pulled out her sleeping bag and got all cozy and then we read some bedtime stories in the tent.  We read one of my favorite Jan Brett Christmas books which has great illustrations.   We either kept her up later than usual or tired her out but she fell right asleep without a fuss.  I enjoyed snuggling in my sleeping bag admiring the Christmas tree lights that we left on for a night light.  It is so much fun to be an aunt sometimes especially if it means having an eager camping partner. 

The next morning a pink and blue Marmot tent was added to her Christmas list and I think we will have to camp in the living room anytime she comes to visits. There could be worse things.  Omnia Vincit Amor.

Footage of the wrestling match that broke out between Uncle Arthur and some stuffed animals.  It got a little wild.