As far as music goes, I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas, was our theme of the 2017 holiday season.

I had never heard the song until a few weeks ago but apparently – it’s a classic.

I stumbled across Kacey Musgraves singing it on her Christmas album while I was trying to find Christmas songs sung by girls.

That is what you always request, H.

“I want one with a girl singing!“

We have all been singing it for two weeks.

It has been fabulous.

No crocodiles, no rhinosauruses!
I only likes hippopotamuses!
And hippopotamuses like me, too!

I love you.

-Dad

K, I taught you to Haka dance.

I mean, I don’t know – let’s not make a big deal about it.

Mostly because mom thinks we are ridiculous.

But when H went to dance class last Monday and I stayed home with you to feed you dinner and get you ready for bed – you learned to Haka dance.

You smile when I hit my chest with my hands and then you do it back, grunting with me.

Just please don’t ask me to do it at a wedding.

Admittedly, we don’t do the tongue part of it though.

It seems unnecessary for some reason, but what do I know.

Your walk is still slightly unsteady, but you know how to Haka.

You are marvelous.

I love you.

-Dad

Ok, so last weekend we went to the Christmas musical at church.

It was a big day.

We had to teach Sunday school in the 4-year-old class before we went to our own class. After church, we ate lunch with some friends. H, you and mom went to a baby shower that started at 2 PM. Then we all had to get back at church for the musical that started at 4. We ate dinner. And after that, it was time for bed.

Whew.

K we dropped you off in the nursery because you are still too young to make it (That is: Sit, quietly.) through the service.

But H, we took you in the sanctuary and managed to climb the stairs to the very back row just before the lights went down.

You loved it. The music, the lights, the clapping.

You loved it until about three-quarters the way through – when you fell asleep, laid out, across both mom’s lap and mine.

It was so sweet.

And H, your school Christmas musical is tonight.

We got a babysitter for K, because we will be back so late. I don’t think it starts until about 7.

Don’t worry K.

You will be a little bit older soon and ready to rumble everywhere we go. I can’t wait.

I love you.

-Dad