Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas...just the six of us!  Emma, Jonah, and Samuel woke up late for them (7:30) and were troopers waiting for Elena to wake-up.  Finally, about 8:20 we opened our stocking gifts and the gifts from Santa.  That was followed by opening items from under the family room tree.

Opening Stockings

Stockings!

Opening gifts from Santa

Elena trying to get her gifts out of her stocking

Drew and I made a great breakfast...eggs, bacon, baked fruit, and scones.  We sang happy birthday to Jesus and read our last Jesse Tree devotional.  Elena went down for her nap after breakfast since breakfast was more like 10:30.  Emma, Jonah, and Samuel enjoyed playing with the toys they opened in the morning.  While Elena napped we opened the gifts under the tree in the living room.

Breakfast picture

Another breakfast picture

Jonah at breakfast

Daddy and his kiddos

Of course, we can't get everyone smiling for my picture...oh well!

The afternoon was filled with playing and playing and playing.  Everyone liked their gifts.  Everything was very simple.  A few running items and books for me.  Some biking items and tools for Drew.  A few clothing items, books, and games for the kids.  It was so much fun for me and Drew to watch Emma, Jonah, and Samuel enjoy playing with each others gifts.  Elena was a little overwhelmed by it all, but she did like her new dolls.

I love how cute they are!

Waiting patiently while I take a picture

Daddy getting his wrench from Samuel...Samuel's choice!

So cute opening their gifts

She liked her new train and all the songs!

Jonah checking out his new maze book.

Elena desperately wanting her new baby out of the box.

Jonah had asked for a watch for months and was so happy when he opened it.

Samuel loved his new tools...real tools!

Where are the rest of the presents?  She loves to sit in rocking chairs.

Emma gave her Daddy tennis balls since they love to play together.

Our day ended with a yummy dinner...still in our pajamas!  We lit the Christ candle on our Advent wreath after reading the Christmas Story from Luke. After dinner, the kiddos were quite tired and they went to bed early.  Drew and I were able to enjoy a quiet evening!  That is a gift in itself.

Getting ready for dinner

Already eating dinner

Our Advent wreath with a little stuffing on the side!

 It was truly a JOYous CHRISTmas!