Christmas Day

Another great Christmas has come and gone!  We had a really nice day together, with absolutely nothing to do or nobody else's schedule to think about.  It was a go-at-our-own-pace kind of day!  We went upstairs to greet our impatient children at 7:30am, so that the mass opening could begin.  We drew numbers (order for opening presents), said a prayer, and rushed down the stairs.  Santa did not disappoint!  Ruby was thrilled with her new doll (Jessica Anne), her princess Polly Pockets, new comfy clothes, clothes and accessories for Jessica Anne, and Just Dance 4.  Ella was also excited to see her new doll Robyn, a snow cone maker, new bike helmet, giant bear, comfy clothes, and more doll accessories and clothes.  Tyler got the Eagles football he wanted, plus the bonus of Eagles gloves and hat, along with a new Wii remote and game, comfy clothes, beyblades, Whirley Pop, and a popcorn bowl with seasonings.  Spencer has shown the true sign of getting older by being excited about new clothes!  He got some new Nike clothes and shoes, a new bike helmet and bike computer, comfy clothes, a new Wii remote and game, and 2 months of guitar lessons.  Then the family got a gift of a trip to The Great Wolf Lodge!!  And that was just from Santa!!  We took a break from present opening to dine on Sticky Buns and fresh squeezed orange juice, and then we headed upstairs for round 2 of presents.  The kids got a lot of fun things from their grandparents, and we spent the rest of the day eating and playing with toys.  We busted out Ruby's new game, Just Dance 4, and we danced and laughed the entire afternoon.  Ella got a pedicure kit, and so she and Ruby set up a little spa in my bathroom.  I love the pictures of Ruby reading my People magazine while Ella slaves over her toes!  So cute.  Even Bryan and I had the pleasure of being pampered in Ella's spa.  We were all tired and happy by bedtime.  Until next year...Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve

It was a gloriously warm day on Christmas Eve this year, as you can see from the pictures.  Bryan took the kids hiking while I wrapped and cooked, and they had a great time.  I do feel sad about missing out on some of these dad/kid activities so that I can cook or clean, but the peace and quiet is pretty nice too!  :)  We were spending Christmas at home by ourselves this year, with no family or friends coming over, so although it wasn't a big event it still required the same amount of cooking.  We enjoyed our traditional soup-in-a-bun meal, along with the beloved Jello, followed by the opening of gifts from each other.  The kids had all done their shopping earlier in the month, and they were all so excited to give (and receive!) their presents.  Lots of happy kids abound on Christmas Eve!  We fed the reindeer, set treats out for Santa, and then Bryan read the Christmas story to the kids.  They all slept together in the boys room this year, with Ruby pleading her case to be included.  They all slept great (I mean, as good as kids can ever sleep on Christmas Eve), and they were up and ready to get going the next morning!  It was a great night - one of the best of the year, for sure.