Christmas Morning

When I was little, Christmas Eve was a bigger deal than Christmas Day.  We would always go to my grandparents house and I would play with my cousins and we would have a huge meal.  At the end of the meal, after much begging, we were allowed to open presents.  There were always piles and piles of presents just for the kids.  The adults would all sit back and take it all in.  And now, as a parent, I see the magic of Christmas, this year especially.  The kids were just so excited about Santa Claus coming to our house.  Even though we came home late on Christmas Eve, they were still eager to set out the cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer.  

Is there anything better in the world than seeing the wonder on your kids' faces as they race downstairs to find a Christmas tree glowing with loads of presents underneath?!  This year, the kids woke up before us and ran to our room to tell us that Santa came.  We came downstairs and since Brooke was still sleeping, they were allowed to open their stockings.  When that was done, Abby went in to Brooke's room and announced that she had woken up.  I walked in there and asked Abby if she really had been awake or was awoken by her.  Of course, Abby was just so excited that she woke up Brooke.  Oh well!

And so, out came the camera and video camera and the obligatory pics in front of the tree were taken before the unwrapping started.

Brooke had some assistance opening her gifts.  Typical baby style, she was more excited over the wrapping paper than the actual gift.

And the aftermath.  Everyone was so pleased with their gifts.  All the time it took to decide, purchase, wrap, etc. was all worth it to see the smiles on their faces!