Merry, Merry Christmas!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful, quiet Christmas at home this year. We would have loved to have had some family visitors. But, having no guests and no where to go until the afternoon meant we were able to let the kids set their own pace. They are slow present openers, taking time to enjoy every new item before they move on.

Showing off their new 

"Christmas Eve" pajamas.

Steven giving out hugs for Christmas.

Shopkins! She was so excited to finally

have the "it" toy for kindergarteners. 

Eleanor playing with a Lego set from

her stocking while Mom makes breakfast.

While the kids enjoyed their stocking goodies, we made gingerbread pancakes and got tidied up. The kids preferred to stay in their jammies - and why not? It's Christmas! 

We finally found a purpose for 

our giant cookie cutter. 

Whip cream to top it off!

This is Steven's first Christmas! He was a little overwhelmed. He's not normally allowed to rip things (something he has learned through experience). So, he was a little cautious when we  encouraged him to rip wrapping paper and open boxes. And, he was only able to open some but not others. Sheesh. He ended up turning over unwrapping duties to his sisters while he concentrated on the good part - testing out the toys.

Adelaide and Eleanor both did chores

to earn money to go to the dollar store and

buy presents. Adelaide got Steven a 

light-up bouncy ball.

Eleanor got Steven a bouncy ball that smells like

an orange. He was delighted! 

Adelaide was SO excited when she unwrapped

her fashion head band kit from Mom and Dad.

Eleanor taking a present break to

work on her new puzzles.

Arrr, Maties! Pirate goodies from

Aunt Eve and Uncle Jed's Disney Cruise.

Avast! A shirt the changes color in the sun. 

The kids really had an incredible morning reading books, trying on clothes, building lego sets, playing with kinetic sand, having foam ball popper fights and lots more. What lucky ducks.

But, the fun wasn't done there. After nap time, we headed over to Granny and Papa's for Christmas dinner, a delicious honey baked ham and best sweet potatoes you ever did taste. Also, lots of olives, because they know our kids so well! 

Yep, Eleanor has a mouthful of food. She certainly 

wasn't going to stop eating delicious ham because Mom had

the camera out. No way.

Under the mistletoe!