Dad with all three kids, some of whom were being silly. This was the last photo we got of a happy Natalie as Will gave her a pinch right after this photo was taken and then she refused to be in any more photos.
Oh well, we try! Here are two-thirds of the cuties in front of the tree.
And getting food ready for Santa and his reindeer.
The next morning, the kids gave Mom and Dad a wonderful present: they slept until 7:30 a.m. That never happens in our house and Mom and Dad were very appreciative! Will as the first one up. He forgot it was Christmas until we reminded him. He then got very excited and started down the staircase. After taking just a few steps, he took a peek into the living room where the tree is and saw all of the presents that Santa left under the tree and he could barely contain his excitement. He starting hooting and hollering about how he had, in fact, been good because Santa Claus had come to our house. His hoots and hollers woke up Natalie and Amanda, who came sprinting down the hall. They could not believe it when they saw all of the presents under the tree. (It had been empty the night before because we tried to put a few presents out and the wee one of the bunch would not stop crying when we advised that they could not immediately be opened.)
We let the kids dive into their stockings before breakfast. Here are Amanda and Will excited about some new movies from Santa.
Will likes his light up rocket, too.
After the stockings were done, we checked out Santa's plate of cookies. They must have been good as he left only crumbs! And the reindeer were very hungry, as well.
After quickly consuming breakfast, they were back at it. Natalie was very excited!
They all had to concentrate hard to get the job done!
The kids received a ton of art supplies, which is good because they LOVE to work on art projects.
Will received some more of his favorite blocks of all time.
Santa brought them this fun piano (straight from the movie, Big). It is great fun!
The safari tent was a hit!
New games are always fun!
And so are new clothes!
Barbie driving a pink convertible is the best!
Unless you are Will, who thinks that new cars take the cake.
The grand finale came from Santa.
Will loves his new garage. His favorite part is the "race track", which his cars zoom down.
The girls were ready for their finale. They were SO excited to open this giant present. What could it be???
It's a beautiful doll house!
The presents were all wonderful, but the best gift of all was the great day we spent together as a family. We are so fortunate to have our health and to be surrounded and supported by wonderful family and friends. With all of the terrible events in our society filling the headlines these days, it is important to take a moment to appreciate these most important and precious gifts. We are truly blessed!
