Christmas Morning Highlights

Obligatory Stairs Photo, 2013:

@ 6 am, one hour earlier than we had hoped for.

Seeing the stockings and presents:

Happy Kids:

Love these faces:

Breakfast included Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls - too yummy!

Highlights:

~ Maggie named her monkey "Saylia" because "she's silly, and Saylia sounds like silly".

~ Xander decided he was going to give us a Christmas miracle, and started potty-training at 2 years, 5 months.  He just asks to go on the potty, pee comes out, then he gets a chocolate.  Easy peasy.  I don't remember a child of mine ever taking the initiative and actually accomplishing anything.  Wonders never cease.

~ John-Paul got a Kindle gift card, then immediately went on his Kindle and "bought" 2 free games.

~ We gave each kid 3 gifts this year (because, as I told them, "You ain't no better than Jesus!") and it worked out awesome!  So much less clutter, and gifts that were really loved, not just bought to make it look like they got stuff. 

~ Andrew noticed the Pokemon cards were already well-loved, and thought it was so sweet when I told him a blog friend's boys sent them.  (Thanks Rebekah!)

~ Eamon's favorite gift was the Nerf gun, even though it doesn't work yet because someone, ahem, forgot to buy C batteries this year.

~ Right now the big boys are outside playing with their bow and arrow and Ripstik, the baby is having an early nap, Maggie is making bracelets, and I am able to record these memories in peace while listening to the Zac Brown Band's new album.  Ahhhhhhh.

~ Alexander thought the cat toy was for him.  Hey, no judging here.  Whatever keeps him entertained.

~ How do you know you've spent 11 married Christmases together?  When you buy your husband this, this, and this for Christmas.  I know, I know, I'm such a fun wife :)

~ How do you know your husband knows you better than you know yourself?  When you decide to get a big present for Christmas (like the bed we bought) and then insist that you don't need anything else to open on Christmas day...and he doesn't listen.  Love that man.

Merry Christmas!!!!!