CHRISTmas

After our wonderfully fun and exhausting evening at church for the Christmas 'Eve service, we sprinkled "Reindeer food" on the driveway then ushered the kids into dreamland with a stern lecture not to go downstairs without first waking mom and dad in the morning. Ryan and I made rolls, cleaned the house (we had invited and uninvited guests arriving on the morrow), settled the mass of presents under the tree--thus the lecture to the children, and finally went to bed.

The kids were kind and waited until after 7am to wake their exhausted parents. We went downstairs and had a quick breakfast, then prayed and reminded the kids Whose Bday this really is. Then began the gifts. The kids did great, we had a wonderful time opening gifts and sharing the day with each other. We help the kids make gifts for each other, and they loved the presents from their siblings. Hannah drew and painted a picture of Lightening McQueen for the boys' room; Nathanael helped Daddy cut out and stain a snowflake for Hannah (who has been rather desperate for snow lately) and a "T" for Thaddeus; Thaddeus made some magnets with animals and Hannah and Nathanael's names. We likewise enjoyed so many other presents from our parents, the kids' grandparents and friends--thank you so much!!!

Ryan was rather surprised by a Navy Torpedoman's Mate coin with his name inscribed on it and though at first confused by the Gorilla Pod Tripod for the camera, once he figured it out, he was thrilled. I figured with all the picture taking he does--especially with setting the camera up for our Christmas pictures, he could use a break with at least the setting up! And, Ryan managed to surprised me this year with a digital frame for our pictures... so exciting!!!! Enjoy the pictures... this may take a couple of posts:)


Our "uninvited guests"--reference our Christmas letter--they have managed to find their way into the microwave and dishwasher as well as in cupboards, behind cabinets, etc. However, one of Ryan's coworker and our down the hill neighbor gave us some bait that seems to be one of the best Christmas gifts this year!:)