Christmas Day

On Christmas morning a tiny voice started calling over the monitor at 6 a.m.  She must have been concerned that Santa was still in the house {or close to her bedroom, which had been a real concern} because it was not her usual banter.  Sam surprised us by sleeping until almost 7, which was a nice treat after a late night Christmas Eve.  That's when we usually get Avery up anyway, so Ned went upstairs to feed Sam and get them up, and I got breakfast in the oven.  Then it was time to come down and see what Santa left.

Avery got a grill, dollhouse, donuts, and books.

Sam got a musical train, IncrediBlock, a push/ride puppy, and books.

Avery's stocking contained Finding Nemo, a Cinderella watch, an activity book, and candy.  Sam's had a Tiny Diner mat and new pacifiers.  A new sleep sack didn't fit.  Both stockings had an apple and an orange.

We spent awhile just playing with the toys Santa brought.

We opened stockings then enjoyed breakfast casserole and cinnamon roll cake.

After breakfast, we opened gifts from each other.  Avery was so surprised and pleased that Sam had chosen the exact phone she had picked out in the store.

Sam was excited to find that Avery had given him a remote just for him.

Then the kids opened gifts from us.  Both got ornaments and Sam got clothes.  Ned and I decided that Santa shouldn't get all the glory and chose to give Avery her Dream Lite.  What an excited little girl.

We had to run right off to my closet to check it out.

Then we noticed a note from Toes.

We took off upstairs to see what the surprise could be.

Toes and Santa brought shelves and storage baskets and must have spent lots of time cleaning and organizing.  What a treat for the whole family!

By that time it was time for Sam's nap, so Avery helped Ned and I open presents from each other.  Ned got new chest waders, a book, and K cups.  He outdid himself again for me, helping to fill my Pandora bracelet, remembering the Stella and Dot earrings I mentioned once, and working hard to find a new North Face fleece for me.  One year hopefully Ned will not ask for such big items so that he can have a few more things under the tree, but he's especially excited not to have any wet places after hunting now.

Once Sam got up from his nap, Ned's parents and his brother and girlfriend came over to exchange presents.  We hope to be back to hosting breakfast for both sets of grandparents and family next year.

The presents continued with Sam getting clothes and a farm and Avery getting Bitty's snowsuit, a Madame Alexander doll, and a Play Dough set.  Ned and I got more gifts as well.

They left before lunch, and we got busy feeding the kids.  Once everyone ate, I left to take leftovers from Christmas Eve to my dad so that he would have something better than a sandwich to eat that night.  The kids were still resting when I got home, so I was able to take a little break.  Once they got up, I made a Coca Cola cake for dinner at Ned's parents'.  We had a good dinner there, and luckily by the time Dixie knocked the main entree off the counter, we had all filled our plates.

We were home in time for normal bedtimes, and then I took on the monumental task of finding a place for all the new treasures.

It was a different Christmas for sure but was still wonderful in many ways.  I can't imagine Avery being any more excited in the years to come, but I hear that excitement only increases.  Sweet Sam will understand a little more next year as well.  Avery is already talking about Toes and Ho Ho coming back, and I may have pinned a possible gift for next year.

We hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!