Christmas Day

I was amazed at how long the kids slept (way past our usual 5 am) and then waited quietly downstairs.  When we finally heard them, Shawn went downstairs to find them camped out behind the gate  with their pillow pets, reading some books.  (Yep, we lock our kids in so there won't be any sneaking out to see what Santa brought.  No worries, though, they could get out easily enough if there were an emergency.  The gate just makes it so that I can hear them if they head upstairs.)

Of course, it still wasn't time to see presents yet.  Shawn blindfolded them and led them up to our room,

where he read them the day's headlines and led them in Christmas calisthenics.  Really, this is one of the most fun parts of the day for us, because the kids are just dying to see what Santa brought and we delay as long as possible.

Finally, finally, they get to walk down the hall to the living room.

Samantha was thrilled with her new bow.  Unfortunately for her, Jonas was the one who got the arrows, so they'll have to work out a compromise on that one.

We tried opening presents with our feet again.  (Anything to make the whole thing last longer.)

Peter playing in his new fort with his toy story guys.

Samantha unwrapping with her feet.

Peter just went with his hands every time.  Love the intensity on his face.

Really, this is tough.  Good thing I had my Christmas toe nails going on for the picture.

Duffy, happy with her Brave doll.

Peter and Duffy sporting their new capes.  This is the superhero side.  The other side has a prince/princess design instead.  I love the multi purpose cape.

It was a very busy morning spent opening presents and playing.  Grandpa  Ralph, Grandma Judy and Uncle Jake came over just in time to eat Christmas beignets with us.  It was so much fun to just be home, with everyone healthy and well, enjoying our Christmas morning.

At 3:00 we did have to pull ourselves together to go to the Backman family celebration at my Aunt Barb's house.  We had dinner and listened to some thoughts from my Grandpa and the kids all participated in the nativity.

Jonas was a very reluctant Joseph this year since he believed he had graduated from these performances, but it was nice to have him there for a photo with our 2 angels and 2 wise"men."

It was a wonderful Christmas, and now I look forward to a few days with nothing to do, but hang around home, play with new things and just relax.