Christmas Day 2011

By the time Christmas Eve evening was over, Kris and I were exhausted! My Mom suggested not wrapping Santa gifts which is the daunting task we had ahead of us. I didn't like the idea but Kris sure did! After a little convincing from him, I agreed. He said we could see what we thought and decide next year if we'll do it again.

There are definitely pros and cons to the unwrapped vs. wrapped gifts. I'm not sure if we'll do it again next year but it certainly went okay. I just didn't like that Hayden got to see the presents before we were out there. But, he saw them and immediately came into our room and was really good about waiting till we got up and woke Ems and S up. I also didn't like how quick it went as far as them seeing all their gifts. I love to watch the anticipation build as they wait to open and the excitement once they see it.

But, I did like that we got to spend more time with them actually playing with each gift and checking each one out. I feel like when they open presents it's just a race to get to the next without actually fully exploring each present. This was cool b/c they would focus on each one for a little and actually play with it before moving onto the next. By the time the morning was over we had played with each gift for each child. And I got more pics of them with playing with their gifts vs. them unwrapping them. So, like I said, pros and cons.









































We had a fun, fun morning of playing with all their new things and just being together as a family. We sang "happy birthday" to Jesus several times and it was precious. I have cute video of Ems singing and her sweet voice just melts you, especially when she's singing about baby Jesus!

We had our traditional mountain pancakes for breakfast and before we knew it the morning and early afternoon had escaped us and it was time to head out to Don and Marie's for Christmas dinner, fun and more gifts! This was the first year that we've spent our holidays with them but we thoroughly enjoyed it. They remind me that you truly don't have to be blood to be family.

That's our day in pictures! It was another beautiful Christmas with family! I have to admit, I'm glad it's over though as I usually am. Not that it's not an amazing time or that I don't enjoy it but the WHOLE month of December is spent gearing up for those two days and by the time it's done, I'm ready for it to be! The tree was getting very dry and my house was a disaster zone after all the gifts. I'm glad to have all the decorations down and all the new stuff put away and the house back to normal.

I can't wait to see what 2012 brings for our family. I have been reflecting a lot on this last year lately (maybe a post to come on that?).