Merry Christmas!

The children opened their new matching pajamas last night.

We have had the most fun family day! The children woke up about 6:15...well all of them except for Sam. I think he slept until about 6:45. We spent the morning leisurely opening presents and playing with new toys. Santa brings each child one new gift each year, and after the children play with their new item for a little while, they begin opening presents from Jimmy and me and from each other. Olivia and Julie had a handmade gift for everyone in our family. This year, all of the presents were opened before lunch. I prepared a special breakfast and late lunch. We stayed in our pajamas all day, and we just enjoyed the slow pace of visiting, eating, and playing with new toys and games.

Clay with a new Lego set

Julie with a book from Leah

Sleepy Leah looking at what Santa brought her....a basket filled with stationery, markers, pens, stickers, and special notebooks and notepads.

Sam--with a mouth full of candy! He spent the entire morning eating the contents of his stocking!

Olivia and Julie modeling the gifts they made each other --Julie made Olivia's hat, and Olivia made Julie's bag.

Olivia with the raccoon that Sam gave her

Leah wearing the hat that Julie made for her

Happy Jimmy!

These are the slippers that Olivia made for Jimmy.

I spent my day drinking about 5000 calories worth of mocha punch, helping the children with their new toys, cooking, cleaning the kitchen, and.....playing Scrabble on my iPhone with family and friends. I had 4 games going today!

The Aftermath!

Merry Christmas!