Christmas pics

As with the previous years since having Christmas-aware kids, Christmas was very fun this year. It all started with the Elf on the Shelf after Thanksgiving, and ended with the big Santa delivery on 12/25.

The morning was soooo a-typical, but that really illustrates how old Dylan is getting. He was so excited he actually couldn't sleep!! This has never happened in our house on Christmas morning, but I remember going through that as a child. On Christmas morning he was up at 4, 4:30, 5, 5:30, then finally at 5:45 I gave in and let him open his stocking! After an hour we woke Olivia up!!!! Anyone who knows our routine is probably in shock because she gets up before the sun EVERY day of the year, but not today. So bizarre. It was a real fun present-frenzy. The big gift this year from Santa was a big ol' trampoline. This thing is awesome! (and, is probably partially for me!) It has a nice and safe enclosure that even blocks them from stepping on the springs. It is the best investment that we have made in any of the gifts that we have given the kids. We have had it for about 5 days and have gotten about 2 hours a day of fun and exercise out of it. My goal in shopping was to only buy things that didn't have parts, were part of an existing project in the house, or encouraged outdoor play and exercise. (a kid's TV, a scooter for Olivia, Grayson's own backpack, some room decor for Olivia's girl room, a few PJ's, new shoes and really thoughtful gifts from NC Elders and the grandparents)

After the excitement from our Santa subsides, we also take the kids to my mom's house for a second Christmas celebration. We did that for dinner on Monday night. They love dragging out the festivities, and then get so sad when they realize that all 3 of their Christmas celebrations are over!

As you can see from the last picture. Kids are so much easier to please than adults. All that they wanted to play with at Nana's was a big piece of paper that was used as stuffing from one of Santa's gifts. We make a much bigger deal out of this than is really necessary!

Making chocolate reindeer treats on the 23rd:


The first to wake on Christmas morning:



(BEFORE they realized the trampoline was behind them)

(Noticing the 'BIG' gift)



Nana's house: