Christmas

Another Christmas come and gone in a whirlwind of fun. Parties and get-together, decorating and baking, wrapping and anticipating. So much fun I almost forget to breathe! But I wouldn't change a thing. I love the excitement and activity of the Christmas season. I love that it is all about giving and sharing and being with each other and all those other warm fuzzy stuff! And you can't beat the cookies!!!

Our Christmas tradition starts with Christmas Eve. We watch the movie Polar Express then open one present under the tree. Briella had a bit of a slow start when it came to opening presents. I'm sure it was because we had all spent the last few weeks reminding her to not touch the pretty presents under the tree and now all of a sudden we are all telling her to open one. She wouldn't even touch it!
So we figured maybe she need a few examples of how to do it. Robert was very willing to show her how to open a present! He did a great job other than it only took him 2.3 seconds and no one, even Briella, could see him in the flurry of wrapping paper!!! Even with that great demonstration she still wouldn't even try. So we all opened ours but still, NO. Then Janesssa decided to whisper that there was a baby inside and wouldn't you know it, she was ripping her present open! Of course, she kept the baby right with her for the rest of the night.

This picture is of Christmas eve, after everyone has opened their present and was quietly enjoying their new gift. I call this picture the "Before" shot.

Christmas morning! Of Course, Robert was the first one awake and took it upon himself to wake the rest of the house. Briella didn't want to wake up, since it was a good 2 hours before her normal waking up time! And after much coaxing, the only thing that got her out of bed was, "do you want some candy?" and she was up! Here we are waiting at the top of the stairs for Dad to OK everyone to rush downstairs to see what Santa has brought.

The opening of gifts went great until Briella and Robert realized that half the presents contained clothing, even socks! Then the great anticipation before opening was a bit diminished by the checking if it was another pair of pants. MOM!!! I know, what a horrible mother for giving her children clothing for Christmas! Other than, Allana, loved it!

Here are the kids in the front yard trying out Robert's new remote control 4X4. We had a bit of rain so that activity was brought inside to the much disappointment of the dog who became very concerned that the quickly moving, noisy thing was going to "GET HER!!!"

We got a puzzle for Christmas and the three of us finished it in one day! Which is a major accomplishment for us. It was lots of fun spending time with "my girls".

Nana and Grandpa Skidmore came for a little visit. They had fun trying out our new Wii. They were both awesome tennis and bowling champs!

They brought Kylee with them for their visit, which made Briella's Christmas! Those two girls make me smile!!!

OK, remember the "Before" shot? this is the "After", after all the presents have been opened and the mess remains. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Our Christmas was great and lots of fun. Can't wait until next year!!!!