Secret Santa Lists

On a sad note, yoda the frog died yesterday. The Chapman house is in mourning. We are in the market for a new pet - but not until the grieving process is complete. Early clubhouse leaders - axolotl and fish. Turtles are out because apparently they are bad for babies. Who knew? So opinions are welcome. Pickles suggested the axolotl - and I like that idea. The kids seem to like amphibians and fish over mammals - not exactly sure why.

Tom - black dress socks and long sleeved sleepable t-shirts, Star Trek DVD, an adult Wii game (sports or violence preferred). Tom also likes books - not everything but a wide variety. If you go into Social Sciences or Business, pretty much everything is of interest - Omnivore's Dilemma, Art of Innovation, Valley Boy, Food, Inc. Two of Tom's goals for next year are to get smarter about technology and network integration (of all types not just technology) and wine. Tom's goal for 2009 was to get into soccer. Success - more Spurs paraphanelia is good.

Cheryl - colorful, trendy dress scarves (to be warn with regular clothes not a coat), Twilight DVD, perfume, something fun to wear out with friends (nothing crazy - but something that could be warn to a bar without her husband and look cute enough to be with her chic sister). Cheryl is currently writing a book and trying to be more active with other moms in the parish.

James - Greek mythology, puzzles, Titanic (and other disasters), and books. The parents (aka S) are getting James a Nintendo DSi, so games for this are good. In addition, he is interested in the 39 clues and Percy Jackson. He wears size 9slim pants and a child's medium shirt. He is not super into sports - but does like soccer. He really likes architecture and to build and draw stuff. James is getting to be a big boy now - and so bigger kid games like board games and puzzles are highly enjoyed.

Aidan - Animals (particularly amphibians, specifically turtles), Greek mythology, Star Wars, and playing outside in the sand box. Aidan will also be getting a Nintendo DSi, so games are good (aka S). Apparently these things can be played in tandem up to 4 players. He wears size 7 pants and a child's medium shirt. He is into sports more than James - so jerseys or equipment are good. He really likes living things, science and enjoys coloring (not as much drawing or building as James) and playing with action figures. He also enjoys 39 clues and Percy Jackson - but enjoys a wider variety of books - Redwall, Star Wars, etc. Aidan also seems musically inclined - particularly recorder, flute, etc.

Dennis - Star Wars, music, and whatever his brothers are up to. He has been struggling a bit lately with growing out of a toddler into a little boy. He wants to do some of the things that J&A can do - play the Wii, draw pictures, etc. but can't quite escape his sister's inability to play these things yet. He is getting drums (real drums) from mom and dad (aka S). He loves Star Wars - particularly clones. He builds elaborate scenes and plays inside, outside and anywhere with action figures. He and Aidan do a lot of wars. He enjoys sports - particularly those with balls - soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, etc. He wears size 5/6 pants and S shirts.

Martha - make up, dress up clothes, kitchen stuff (food, shopping cart, etc.) stuffed animals. Martha likes to play with others and is comfortable playing just about anything. She enjoys reading books, particularly about animals. She also enjoys writing and drawing. Martha is a bit mischevious if that can be embodied in a gift. She stays up late looking at books and "reading". She particularly likes Dora, the Backyardigans, almost all princesses and Disney. She wears a size 4 pant and an XS or 4t shirt. She is getting a significant kitchen set from the parents (aka S).

Claire - blocks. Claire loves blocks and stuffed animals. She is in the 18-24 mo. clothes and continues to be near the top of her size estimates for age. So, if you are buying clothes - buy high.

We have a DVD player, Wii gaming system, and will have a DSi. There is some discussion of a Leapster 2 but this has not been purchased or confirmed.

So, there is our secret santa list as a family. If you have questions, email us what you are thinking about.