Christmas, part 2

OUR FAMILY

For nine years, Brent and I have gone to church on Christmas Eve and opened presents on Christmas morning.  Each of those years we headed to my parents by mid-morning Christmas day.  That worked well when there were only two of us.  Along the way we added the blond babes above.  The last couple of years it has been pretty chaotic to wake up Christmas morning, open presents to each other, see what Santa brought, eat/bathe/pack for everyone and hit the road for a three hour drive.  This year, our tenth married Christmas, I finally agreed to open our family presents to each other on Christmas Eve. {Brent's been trying to talk me into for three years ~ he's gonna love this next part ~} It worked so well!  We had plenty of time to enjoy church, a nice family dinner and then open presents.  The kids had time to play with their gifts and enjoy our time together.  Christmas morning was still chaotic (I should've packed sooner) but it worked really well.  We probably have a new tradition.  

This is mostly what Ryan thought about Christmas.  He asked if every gift was edible ;-) 

One of mommy's favorites - a handmade calendar from Lucas.  Each month of the calendar has a special picture made from his hand print.  I was privileged to help 22 kindergartners in Lucas' class make these special calendars for their mom & dad.  

He really looks intent on this one!  

{And as the days have passed since then, he really does love this toy!}

The chef and waitress.

Princess dresses!

P.S. There is a whole lot of tulle in that box.

P.P.S. These fit really well in the box when I folded them up and shoved them in there… they don't fit that well when the three year old puts them away. 

Our gifts ~ everyday!