Christmas leftovers
(Christmas morning on the stairs before they came down to see what Santa brought them!)
Our Christmas was simple, easy, casual, and laid back. A little different, but so nice. I felt like I really got to enjoy the kids and play with their toys with them. We really simplified things, and I felt like they got it more than in year's passed. We loved seeing their smiles and excitement over the toys, and enjoyed so many special traditions this year, new and old. We were especially grateful to have Parker with us, the last time for a while as he plans to serve a mission after his next semester at school. He is so fun to have around, and the kids just adore him, to say the least. Here are way too many pictures of some of our festivities:
Parker opening his Christmas Eve jammies (I
love how they act surprised year after year that their Christmas Eve gift is pjs)
Stud
Cookies for Santa (along with a really elaborate card from Olivia)
Wow, that is a cookie!
Parker is a great sport. Are his cookies a little too awesome?
Molly modeling her pjs. Yes, the top is backwards, but I have given up saying anything.
Softy jammies
Helping the kids open their Christmas pjs straight naked. I think holding my kids right out of the bath is my favorite.
These two boys are best buddies. They are 18 years apart!
Parker and Olivia read the annual 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
And then on Christmas morning everyone was very happy to see that Santa did, in fact, come!
Molly got a Leapster
Olivia got a Nintendo DS
Ian got Leapfrog toys (they are Santa and Mommy's favorite!)
Max got lots of "yegos" and we have been doing some major building over here. His favorite thing was his Batman helicopter.
Parker got a really warm winter coat and gloves. Logan is cold. He also got lots of I-tunes gift cards and some sweet Pumas.
All in all it was fun and everyone was very happy and grateful for what they received. We are so grateful for our family and Jen is especially grateful that Christmas is over. Here is to a new year and a new decade!
