A Big Christmas

Big Cheetos.

Backstory:  since Miles refers to anything orange as "Cheeto"

Big Lego set.

Backstory:  Sydney saw this set advertised in the Lego magazine in November and wished and wished to have it.  By the time we realized it wasn't a passing fancy,  they were sold out of every store in the Portland metro area (i.e. the few I checked).  Online it could be had for 2x the suggested retail price.   "Every kid needs to feel disappointed; it's good for their character," we consoled ourselves.   But then, here's another Christmas miracle.  Grandma and Grandpa Barker happened to be in England just prior to Christmas and called to say they could get it in the stores there.   Did we want it?  So, imported from England, via Utah, courtesy of the USPS,  er, Santa's Sleigh, Sydney received her heart's fondest desire.  As you can tell, she was elated, thanks to Santa's elves.

Big Dollhouse.

Backstory:  Pure parental insecurity and naivety.  The fact we got it on craigslist softens the blow and the annoyance/embarrassment at the largess-ness of it.  Also, kids do play with it.  As it turns out. Sometimes.