Christmas Day

Christmas morning was finally here! After quite the late and non-restful night for Mr. and Mrs. Claus, we woke our guys up early to open presents at home. This year, we tried to stress that Santa brought stocking presents, and Momma and Daddy brought everything else. Stockings were filled with candy, fruit, socks and underwear, slippers, hats and mittens, and small toys.

Clara was thrilled with Candy land, new outfits, activity books, and sparkly shoes. A few weeks ago when she sat on Santa's lap at school she asked for "Thomas the Train set, all the trains, all the tracks." WELL, her gifts had already been bought and wrapped, so I got her a Thomas coloring book...it had all the trains and tracks, after all! When she opened it, her little face just fell. She whispered to Zach, "Why didn't I get what I asked for?" He really played up how cool it was, how much fun she would have coloring and putting stickers on, how we don't always get what we ask for, but look how much fun stuff we are blessed with! She was happy with that, and I was proud of her for no pouting, whining, or tears. She's growing up!

Ben opened cars, cars, and more cars. Happy boy.

Jack "opened" one blanket...the sweet little guy has it all, plus he doesn't know better! ;)

We then bundled up and went to Honey and Poppa's and enjoyed a yummy pancake feast. After that, we got down to business opening presents from all the family, which took a few hours with so many of us! We are truly blessed, indeed.

Clara and Ben in their cute new hats from Honey and Poppa

 Our family of 5 on Christmas morning.

Just like the previous 10 Christmas mornings, I wish I would've taken just a few minutes for some makeup....oh well!

  After presents were opened, cleaned up, hours spent playing, talking, pots of coffee drank, and lunch together, the kids and parents alike went down for afternoon naps. We got a chance to Skype with Grandma, Abo, Jenni, Marco, Niko, and Grammy for awhile and open gifts with them, which was so fun. That evening, we had our church service with Poppa reading the Nativity story. Communion thoughts were shared, and we took the supper together, with Ben following the crackers and juice around the room and sampling along with every adult ;)

Next, the kids couldn't wait to put on "a play" of the birth of baby Jesus. While Poppa narrated, Clara played Mary and a Wise Man, Benton was the Angel and a Wise Man, Ben was a very absent Joseph, Caleb and Clayton were stable animals, Jack was baby Jesus, Honey held up the star, and their Daddies were donkeys and camels.

Let me tell you....this was HILARIOUS. I have a video, but for the sake of all present, I won't post it. The background sound was filled with a terrible rendition of "Away in a Manager" (I believe all those in attendance agree in the no posting, as well) and directing and laughing. Great memories were made!

Mary and the stand-in Joseph riding into Bethlehem.

 Getting settled in the stable

 Mary and baby Jesus, along with a stable animal that Mary was trying to keep in line...

 Wise Men riding in on camels

 bowing down to baby Jesus

 With his gifts of a wrapped present, gold pot, and a ping-pong paddle!

Precious kids had so much fun! I think we have a new Christmas tradition in our family!

We had a wonderful Christmas filled with family, food, fun, and many, many blessings. Hope your holidays were blessed as well!