No NO no!!!!

I'm having a problem. Please compare this year's Christmas lists from my niece and nephew to last year's: http://ephemeraeverywhere.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html.

The reader will not fail to see a--gulp--maturing. Last year, Galen wanted, among other things, a coconut and a Batman fishing pole. This year-gah! a chess set?? Science experiments??? drums???? This is not squishy little kid territory. This is little man territory--like he's growing up. Batman, however, is still a needful thing. From what I've observed, Batman is always a needful thing, regardless of age.

Ev. Well, the rabid desire for pink has diminshed, but there is a particularness that is frightening. My time of impressing them with aunt-ly wonder is quickly coming to a close. There is a sorrow therein.

Evelyn’s List:
Dress up dress (long down to the floor)
Make up
Fairy or mermaid or princess anything
Play soft (plush, stuffed) ice cream set
White tea set w/ red flowers
Yellow chick with a chirping motor
Pink flower lights (like Christmas)
Ariel or Jasmine costume
Mellissa and Doug (brand) Birthday Cake (toy)
Fairy picture

Galen’s List:
Hot wheels crash set (like at Grandma & Papa’s house)
Science kits (electricity, chemistry, etc.)
Rocket
Woodworking tools
Wood kit (bird house, etc.)
Drum set
Computer
Batman dress-up w/ muscles
Drill set
Chess set