Christmas Morning

We try to keep Christmas pretty simple around here. We tell Santa to only leave one gift for each child, we get new pajamas, new games to play together, new books, and fun little treats in our stockings. (Of course the kids are always spoiled by Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunties and Uncles)

This year I took an idea from Design Mom and each kid made a gift for each sibling. It was really fun! I went on a special shopping trip with each child and they got to stay up late one night after everyone else was in bed and work on their presents with mom. Aaron made a necklace and bracelet for each of his sisters. He chose the beads and the design and did most of the stringing himself. Charlotte decorated a pair of gloves for everyone with glow in the dark paint, ribbons, and jewels. They turned out very cute! Elsie made bean bags for everyone (herself included) that we keep in the freezer to soothe a bump or a scrape. She picked out fabric specifically for each sibling, I cut and sewed the fabric into rectangles, and then she filled the bags with beans. I think that next year Lila will be able to get involved too! Daddy helped them wrap their gifts. They were so excited to give their gifts, and they all really loved everything they received!

Santa didn't disappoint either. Charlotte and Elsie have been hoping for American girl dolls since last January. I had two when I was little and I may have helped fuel their desire! I was sad to learn that they no longer make the Kirsten or Samantha dolls that I had, but now they have dolls with all color and types of eyes, hair and skin. The girls were dying to have a doll that looked just like them. They thought that Lila would probably like one too and asked for a "Lila doll" for her as well.

Santa was kind enough to leave each girl a doll and pajamas too. Mrs. Clause (according to Charlotte) made the pajamas out of matching fabric with their Christmas pajamas! (Or at least as close as Mrs. Clause could find at Joanne's)



Aaron asked for a real bow and arrow and Santa obliged! He had so much fun all day practicing, we did loose one arrow over the fence though. (Luckily no one was hurt!)

He picked it up really quickly and had pretty good aim!

















I managed to keep Nicks new smart phone a surprise! He wasn't expecting it at all!! I didn't capture his surprised face, but he really was!



Grandpa Don came over with another big surprise. He had a beautiful Christmas dress for each girl....and a matching dress for each of their dolls! (He also brought a remote controlled helicopter for Aaron which was a huge hit!)







Lila refused to pose with her sisters... little stinker.













We had a fabulous Christmas. Jodi and Joe came later in the day and stayed for a few hours. Other family filtered in and out. We stayed home all day relaxing and playing with new toys. The day, and month for that matter, ended too quickly. Aaron has already begun the countdown until next Christmas!