Christmas Morning

This could also be titled "Christmas Celebration #4." It just never seems to end, but this is, of course, the biggest, most important celebration of them all. It was about 6:15 when I heard the first 2 whispering earnestly downstairs. It wasn't too much longer before their whispers woke up the other kids. But we weren't ready to start yet. We made the kids make their beds and pick up their rooms. Once that was done, they were allowed upstairs into our room. But then to torture them further, we made them all brush their teeth. Then Shawn went out and got the paper and read them the headlines. As you can see, they weren't all that interested in the day's news. Although Jonas decided to read the comics and this is where he got the idea of opening our presents with our feet in order to make Christmas last longer.Finally, we couldn't think of anything else to make them do. The fire was lit, the camera was ready, so we let them line up and head in to see the loot.And yes, we did open our presents with our feet. That was fairly entertaining and sometimes a little difficult.



Jonas and Peter playing with their nanobugs. It's not often you can find something that both a 12 year old and a 1 year old can enjoy together, but this is one of them. I just love this photo.
Everyone taking some time to check out their gifts.
Santa clearly made a stop at the joke shop. But who doesn't need a rubber chicken, after all?
Or a talking flyswatter? (Jonas already can't wait for the summer days when we leave the doors open and there are flies all over the house to be hunted.)
The pillow pets that Santa brought were also a favorite. ( I distinctly recall asking Santa not to bring any pillow pets - or video games. I really didn't want either of them in my house. He clearly ignored my requests. I guess that's the magic of Christmas - all the surprises. )



And of course, once all the gift opening was done, it was time for beignets. MMMM.
Samantha was on sugar duty. One of her favorite parts. (Sorry, no matter how many times I flipped this in iphoto, it still stays sideways here.)
After cleaning up the kitchen, we all headed downstairs to play Just Dance 2. I wish I had pictures. It was an ultimate dance off with the wii keeping score. We were all red-faced and sweaty and laughing hysterically. It will definitely be a repeat performance!

Merry Christmas everyone!