christmas day 2017

 After a few early wake ups and a few that needed prodding we gathered in Mom and Dad's bed to put Jesus in the manger and sing him "Happy Birthday."
Our baby woke up like a little rejoicing angel...

Then it was time to run out and see what Santa brought.  Among the favorites were two Star Wars Legos and Cardinals gear for the boys and Nora's requested Playmobil princess set.   Francie got a new baby swing for outside and My Little Ponies along with Nora.

We were so happy to have Aunt Nat there to share in the joy!

After all the Santa gifts were fully explored it was time to open a few things from under the tree.  Gus got a bow and arrow from mom and dad, which might have been the favorite is it wasn't for the amazing cardinals gear he was ready to pose in at any moment. I think it was a toss up.

Nora got some Wizard of Oz figures from Mom and Dad...

Jimmy got a Talk Boy from Mom and Dad, but I didn't get any pictures of it.

His Legos were certainly his favorite thing and he was anxious to get at them...

The boys gave both of their sisters some Strawberry Shortcakes and we all gave Dad a statue of St. Joseph...

I was there, too..

Nora spent a lot of time reading to Francie from her Nativity Board book...

We had a delicious breakfast of strata...

And we headed out to the beautiful Phoenix weather to play with the new soccer goals that Aunt Nat and Aunt Angie gave the kids...

Santa Baabee soon joined us...

We started a very serious game of Labyrinth but Zach and Nat realized they were too serious so they lightened things up a bit...

I am not really sure what else happened for awhile, but I think watched most of A Muppet Christmas Carol and tried to rest.  Francie was our cozy little elf all day but she decided to out of her jammies for the evening party at the Burch's house.

Gus' godparent's Aunt Emmy and Uncle Pete gave him this giant Nerf Gun which Gus lovingly refers to as his "sniper."

While the grown-ups played some games outside the kids got cozy to watch A Muppet Christmas Carol again because it really just is the best...

Who knows how late it was by the time we got home, but we all passed out quickly after a great Christmas!