Christmas 2009

So for Christmas Eve we let each kid a pick a present to open in addition to the one I pick for them (the PJ's).

Rachel picked the present Harrison made for her a mug.

Matthew also picked the one from Harrison. He drew and designed this game for Matthew to play. (notice the background, where the missionaries are sitting where their matching pjs we gave them.) It was a fun change to have them over for Christmas Eve. It went along with our Christmas of Service we have done this year.

Ellie picked the present from Rachel and got 3 beautiful bracelets. The kids all did homemade gifts for each other. It really was a fun addition to Christmas this year.

Contrary to the many threats I made Santa did arrive with more than coal this year.

Matthew got this great new backpack for camping with scouts.

Harrison got new Indiana Jones legos to add to his collection.

Ellie got a great new baby doll! She couldn't have been happier, except if we would let her open everyone's presents. But no matter what she found in each they were all just so exciting and amazing. I love that part of opening presents with a two year old.

Rachel was the most excited about what she got. She was the first one awake and went down and sat in front of this wrapped gift for over an hour just looking at it without touching it. She had asked for a doll house, she expected something small like for polly pockets. She just sat in shock at the size of it.

This is after the first round of decorating. We've already re-decorated many times with many more to follow.

Rachel brought down the little people house and would stop to play with Ellie to keep her away from Rachel's big house.

This is what our house looked like Christmas afternoon with some lego rock band going on. What a perfect day!