Christmas 2011

I must say I think this was one of the best Christmas' ever.  We had 9:00 church so instead of getting up to open presents we decided as a family, and the kids were on board, that we would wait to open presents and  see what Santa brought until after church.  So we all got up and got ready, the kids did look in their stockings, but Santa hadn't left any treats since Caroline and Hannah are still going without candy for the school year.  We then headed to church.  Everything was beautiful and peaceful.  The kids sat quietly and it just felt so reverent.

After church Grandma, Grandpa, Anne Marie, and Scott came over for breakfast and to open presents.  Grace did get a little anxious during this waiting time, but overall the day just felt like Christmas should feel every year.  A time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as well as show love to each other.  We didn't do many gifts this year.  I say that every year, but this was even less.  We bought a family gift of a TV for the basement and one other gift from mom and dad.  Santa brought one gift as well and my mom bought a family gift instead of individual gifts and less was definitely more this year.

After cleaning up we stopped by Jon and Lisa G. for a few minutes to see the gifts their kids had received and then headed out to the Howard's home for Christmas dinner and to spend time with them.

This is the problem of waiting two months to write about an event, already my memories are fading and I don't feel that I can accurately describe my feelings about the day since so much time has passed.  I will try and be better, but for now I will let the pictures do the talking.

I love the excitement in this picture as Josh peaks through his fingers.

Grace was not patient as we were getting everything ready for the kids to come down the stairs.

Hannah and Caroline got Ripstiks from Santa.

Grace opening a present as Benjamin looks on.

Joshua opening a present, I don't think the next one was his reaction to the present, but I can't remember. It just shows the emotional ups and downs in the life of a 3 year old.

Benjamin trying to break into the tin of chocolates.

John assembling Christmas presents.

Anne Marie helping Joshua with something.

Hannah made a scrapbook at school for my mom.  Caroline was so cute and wanted to make a scrapbook for my dad for Christmas.  She found pictures of the two of them and even had me take some for for her book.

Grandma and Caroline.

Benjamin trying out his new Christmas gift.

My cute present.

Benjamin was so cute the whole day.  He was so excited about all the gift giving and opening.  Every time he would ooh and ahh over the gift being opened.  A very fun age when they expect nothing and are excited for everything.

Lisa gave the boys silly glasses and noses.  It was a big hit.

Joshua got a fishing pole from Grandpa H.  I think it was his favorite gift.  He can't wait to try it out.

Hannah showing off the new XBox Kinect.  Grandma H. was only supposed to give one family gift, but she isn't good about only giving one gift.  We will have to work with her on that.  

It was a beautiful and wonderful Christmas.