Finally, Christmas!

After all that waiting and working the day finally came.  And, I have to say, it was, hands down, the best Christmas ever. 

Hazel got her pipe cleaners, she was pleased as punch that Santa splurged and got her three whole packets.   Charlie got his Dinosaur model and was thrilled at the other little goodies Santa threw in.

Emmeline got all recycled gifts from santa this year…..and she was delighted.    We spent all morning opening gifts and playing with toys.  I love Christmas morning when all there is to do is enjoy your family. 

In my attempt to just enjoy I didn’t really document well all the amazing gifts the kids were given.  Here are a few of the favorites.A ball popper for Emmeline from Grandma and Grandpa Shumway.  A huge hit.  All three of the kids wanted to play with it over and over….and it still hasn’t gotten old.  Grammie and Grandfather sent Hazel a real mic….she can sing along to my iPod…..this will come in handy for her goal to be a rock star.  They sent Charlie a real Ukulele (or Ukulelis and Charlie calls it).  He has been hoping that’s what was in that box for days now.  We had a nice Christmas brunch with our dear neighbor Joyce. Aunt Mary Ann did it again this year….totally out classed us on presents, sending each of the kids a hand knitted sweater (Mrs. Weasly style) along with a slew of other amazing gifts.  I can’t say how much I LOVE these sweaters…..the colors, the style, the fact that my sister in law made them! And the kids love them too.  Charlie sneered at all the “boring clothes gifts” that I gave him, but was utterly delighted by this sweater.  He’s quite into the letter C. I love these pictures.  This is one of the first times Emmeline stood on her own.  She took her first few steps on Christmas eve….will have to post that video later. Look at how proud of herself she looks.   

Jeff surprised me with some surprisingly thoughtful gifts….a new (very warm( coat that’s not too bulky so that I can wear it around our cold house all day long without looking like a marshmallow), new ram for my computer so that I don’t curse at Lightroom as I edit photos, a cook book I’ve been coveting…..and on and on and on).    He’s totally foiled his plan to continue to lower my expectations. 

We spent the evening at the Busse’s house with good food and dear friends.  It’s so nice to have friends that feel like family on Christmas when family is far away.

Could it get better than that?  I don’t think so.