Christmas Morning

YA!!! The excitement of Christmas morning finally arrived. For weeks, ever since we've begun seeing Christmas decorations up, Xander has asked, "Mommy, is it Christmas day today?" (which sounds very cute in his little boy voice). I could finally say, "Yes, today is Christmas day." We begun by gathering in the family room for a reading of the Christmas story from the book of Luke. It's fun (sometimes) to hear the kids add their input of what they've learned from church.

Then, we headed into the front room where all the presents were. We've started something new where we wrap each person's gifts in a different wrapping paper. That way, we just have to look at the paper to know who's gift it is. We also gave each child a clothes basket to put their gifts in as they open them. That way their gifts are all together in one spot when they want to play with them afterwards.

Two special gifts that were given this year were ones that Trinity picked out herself. She receives points at Awana each week and can trade those points in for goodies at the end of each semester. This year (as in years pasts), she wanted to be sure to "buy" a present for both Kalyn and Xander. She did some great choosing - a pack of 5 monster trucks for Xander and a velvet coloring page for Kalyn. They both loved their gifts. I am so glad that this came out of her own sweet heart!!

Trinity's big present was a new camera. She loves to take pictures so this was just perfect for her. To be completely honest, Trinity was given Craig's old digital camera and Craig picked out a new one. It was just very hard to find a reasonably-priced camera that wasn't cheaply made. She loves it!!

Kalyn also received a new camera. While Trinity's was more "grown-up", Kalyn's is perfect for her - a bit more durable and come packed with fun games to play.

Can you tell that Xander was so excited about his new tool bench? He is all about tools - hammers, nails, saws, whatever. He is 100% boy. He could not wait to get this box opened up.

Craig got to add another fun ornament to the Christmas tree - our tree is loaded with fun noise making ornaments. This one is the Galaga game, complete with sounds. One of his all-time favorite arcade games, so I had to get the ornament when I saw it, back in September.

Trinity also made a very special gift for me in her art class. I was so impressed with her drawing of me. Such talent!

Following a yummy breakfast, we packed up the last few things in the car and headed to Craig's parents' home for Christmas with his family.