More presents

 Justin got a really really cool shark book!

 The kids got a joint Polar Express Book-they love the story and movie!  (Hint, next year the movie would be a great present)

Tom got a new T-shirt from his kids, and we added a mini hand for the baby. 

Some interesting presents

Curly enjoys Tom and Justin's electric blankets-or as Justin calls them, power blankets



A spur of the moment gift decision that paid off-a Cowboy Nutcracker for Justin that he can take with him when he leaves home.  Until then it will add to our Christmas decorations every year. 



Laura gifted our family with an initial ornament for each member.  We'll be needing another one next year though!

Jacob wearing his new Christmas gift pjs that night, playing with his trains and Timothy's playmobil sets.  I don't know why he put a hat on. 

Leanna scared herself silly reading a new Nancy Drew mystery that night. 

Belated Christmas pictures

Coming down the stairs on Christmas morning

Opening Christmas stockings

As in the past few years, lots of educational/craft gifts. 

We didn't take a lot of pictures that day-while I was cleaning up the Christmas mess and making the dinner, someone set the camera down and I didn't know where it was.  My parents, Laura, Claire & her new boyfriend, and Tony and his family all came over in the late afternoon/evening so there was a flurry of activity.  When Tom wanted me to take a picture of him in his new Superman Snuggie, then he told me where the camera was (apparently he'd known the location all along and didn't think of mentioning it until then).  So there really aren't a lot of pictures from Christmas day.  But the kids had a great time visiting with everyone, Noah and Justin kept us all safe from the Pilsbury Doh Boy (I had no idea he was everywhere!), Leanna and Gabby put together a puzzle, there were various spy missions, lots of dessert, and Tom and Tony talked plumbing (His wife said, if he's drawing pictures, then they're talking plumbing!).  A very busy, tiring but happy day! 

Testing

$5.00/year for more storage for photos. This was a test to see if it worked yet.  (It did)

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I love Christmastime.  It's my favorite holiday.  Although it can be tiring and sometimes stressful I love it all and think it's well worth it.  It's hard to do a lot of the stuff we do with the kids while they're young, but I think it's so good for them (and in different ways for me as well).  It's tough at the time, but you go back and look at the pictures with such fond memories of that particular year, that particular time period......I absolutley wouldn't trade it for anything. 
And I'm always looking for new traditions and foods to add to our family holiday routine.  Especially since our lack of a family vehicle really cuts back on the things we can do.  But particularly this year, I am tired.  I think I'm going to do a lot of sleeping next week!  We've had so much going on lately......decorating the house, decorating the tree, advent calendars, planing and making gifts, making & decorating cookies and deserts, a trip to see Santa, going to Q-Mart, watching Christmas movies and specials, reading Christmas stories, taking holiday pictures, letters to Santa, wrapping presents, listening to holiday music, and all the cleaning and planning required to do all of the above! 
I hope everyone else is having a great holiday season as well!  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!