christmas 2014

We had another wonderful Christmas Day.

This year nobody woke up super early or accidentally went out to see the presents too early.   

And best of all no one was sick.

We started the morning by gathering in Mom and Dad's bed and putting baby Jesus in the manger that the kids had been collecting hay in for all their good deeds.  Then we sang "Happy Birthday" to him to help everyone remember the real importance of the day.  Then it was time to run out and see what Santa had brought.

The boys were excited to find these two rather large boxes of Future Planet Playmobil...

They got building as soon as possible...

Nora promptly found the stroller and Cabbage Patch Doll that Santa had left for her...

Then she ran around the house pushing it like a maniac...

Once she finally stopped that she noticed that Santa had brought her some other things, too...

Her tiny tea set was a big hit.  She loved giving spoonfuls or tea to her new baby.

Aunt Nat got to be there for all the early morning fun.

We were sad that Aunt Angie couldn't be with us this year, but she got to be there not only in spirit, but on her phone as well...

Santa brought lots of fun pirate gear for the boys, but everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Our house was full of bandits and robbers...

Well, okay, Baabee actually brought the big bag of money for the boys. 

He also brought some Aunts and Uncles with him as well.

Since Aunt Erin couldn't enjoy the Bloody Mary's, Nora gladly made her some fancy tea.

The kids loved showing off all their new loot to everyone...

We also Skyped in Nano and Nana so they could watch the boys open the shields and swords that they smuggled secretly from Disneyland...

Gus also got a full knight costume which he immediately wanted to wear...

Mom and Dad gave Nora a cradle for her babies which she immediately put to use..

Jimmy got a wooden baseball pinball game that was a big hit with all the boys... especially Uncle Danny who was just a bit jealous...

We also had a delicious breakfast of strata, cinnamon crisps, and other treats...

Then the boys wanted to get back to building their toys while everyone else took some time to relax...

Then the kids had a surprise visit from our dear friends the Kerstings who were in town visiting.

Gus was pretty excited to see his best best buddy Kolbe.  Blaise was big enough now to be in on all their sword fights.  I think that is all they did the whole time they were over.

What is better than getting to see your best friends on Christmas?

That night we headed over to the Burch house for more food and fun.
I didn't bring my camera, but sometimes that is best.  Then I just don't even have to think about taking pictures anymore and this blog post ends up being slightly shorter.
It was a great day for us all and we feel very blessed.