Here are a few, to give you a taste of our day.
Which began at 4:47.
AM.
That's THE MORNING.
Pre-dawn.
Just to be clear...
First, the children at the top of the stairs. They are waiting for the all clear to come downstairs to open gifts.
Then there they are in front of the tree. They've seen the gifts, but haven't opened anything yet.
Oh look, there's Will leaping into Daddy's arms after opening his Lego Star Wars set. Nevermind...
And there is Cuyler, with the Mommy made rice pillow around his neck and reading the deluxe pop-up Olive The Other Reindeer book I gave to the children.
Then Ebby, realizing the small rectangular package in the toe of her stocking is a pink iPod Nano.
A few hours later, Will has built the Star Wars Lego ship.
Oh look, there's BGD drinking out of his tiny tea cups espresso cups.
Then,
Will next to what I consider to be one of the all time great Yankee Swap gifts: the Kinetic Lighting Picture. It plugs in, lights up and has the sound of rushing water! And it's ours. All ours!! Thanks Pa.
Finally, I did manage to get a picture of the children and one set of grandparents. Yes, it is dark outside. No, it is not morning. Those kids stayed in their pajamas all day long. Which came in handy when Ebby went to take her midday, I got up too early and am overwhelmed by the holiday, nap.
We were also joined by Nana, Grandpa, and aching back Uncle Steven. Unfortunately, none of these fine family members were recorded in still pictures.
But then again, neither was I.
It was wonderful to have the whole family together for Christmas--espeically for a day that didn't involve a 900 mile drive or a 2 hour plane trip.
Of course next year we need to make it a day that begins after the sun comes up.
Good luck with that, right...