~Christmas Day 2012~

I have to say that the next best thing to actually BEING a little kid on Christmas morning is being a PARENT to little kids on Christmas morning.  It's all so magical... even at 5AM.  We told the kids they couldn't come out of their room until there was a 6 on the front of the clock, but alas we didn't quite make it that far.  :-)  We have an awesome video of the kids opening their gift from Santa that I would love to share here.  Maybe Nick will help me figure out how to upload it sometime.  The kids were so excited!  

(These are the awesome costumes from Grandma Shannon and Grandpa Steve!)

After opening their stockings and one gift from Santa we sat down to our traditional breakfast of eggs, blueberry muffins and yummy fresh orange juice.  Delicious and the kids were so helpful cleaning up so we could move along to other presents.

 We did a pretty good job this year sticking to our master plan of a few choice presents: something to wear, something to read, and something to play with.  Then there is usually a family game and a few presents from extended family.  It still all seems to be more than we deserve.

 We really did choose wisely for each of our kids and though they did not get everything on their lists they were more than happy with their spoils.  Nick and I were spoiled with a Vitamix this year and are very excited to put it to good use.  The kids were extra thrilled with their lightsabers from Auntie Erin and Uncle Ryan.  I think it was a wise choice to save that gift for last because once they came out a great Star Wars battle began and continued on for a few hours.

 This has to be my very favorite picture from Christmas morning.  Cordy, dressed in her new princess dress, with Chewy slippers and a lightsaber looking oh so serious.  Don't mess with this Jedi Princess Warrior.  She means business!

After some lunch and cleaning up, we put a few of our favorite new things into backpacks and headed for the airport to catch a plane to the Florida Keys.  We were so excited to go, but as luck turns out we ended up spending a good portion of our afternoon and evening in the airport before being sent home.  Apparently there was a giant storm in Dallas, Texas, canceling all flights for the day.  Yes, we were bummed, but glad to at least be home to play with our new toys for the evening.   I also have to say that the kids were very well behaved and very polite despite being stuck in an airport on Christmas.  I was impressed with the positive attitudes of so many of the airport employees, stuck working on Christmas Day and grateful to the airlines for doing their best to re-book us on flights and in seats TOGETHER, even though we were a party of five.  Merry Christmas to all!