The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, and the gifts were ready for the morning onslaught. Molly was VERY excited about Santa coming and we were anticipating a 5:00 a.m. wake-up call.
But I am happy to report that we were pleasantly surprised when Molly didn't awaken until 7:00 a.m.! It was a Christmas miracle! Here's a video clip of her coming out and finding out that Santa had made his appearance!
Garrett and Paige woke up shortly after Molly and the present opening began. Molly loved her science kit from Aunt Christie and her Rapunzel styling head from Nani and Papa. She also got a LeapFrog Explorer system and several learning games to go with it that she loves!
Garrett totally loves his NeoTrax cars and tracks from Santa. And Steve and I love seeing him in his new hat that has his two favorite things on it... the letter "G" and the color green. Most people would say it's a Greenbay Packers hat... but to us, it's a Garrett hat.
Paige loves her Go-Go Walking Puppy from Santa and her baby and accessories from Nani and Papa, and Grandma and Grandpa van Riessen. She is the most loving and nurturing little girl, and it's so fun watching her pretend to be a "mommy" to all her new toys!
I also got a ton of fabulous baking supplies and can't wait to try them out for Garrett and Paige's birthday!
And Steve got a lot of videos to add to our collection and some clothing. He was invaluable removing all those over-packaged toys from their boxes, putting them together, and installing batteries.
Opening gifts took a LONG time, because the kids wanted to play with every gift before opening the next one. And once they were all opened, they had as much fun playing in the wrapping paper. I just LOVE this picture of Paige playing in the wrapping!
And here's a fun video clip of the chaos that ensued in the pile of discarded wrapping paper. This totally cracks me up!
After the gift opening, we enjoyed a yummy breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns and fruit salad, and then tried to do some clean-up. Here's Paige helping out with her new vacuum from Auntie Trish and Uncle Dave.
After a light lunch and some long naps, we headed over the Aunt Nancy and Uncle Fred's house for a fabulous prime rib dinner. Unfortunately I forgot my camera, but needless to say it was total chaos with 19 people there! And as always... dinner was outstanding! We're so thankful to have some family close by that we can enjoy the holidays with! It was truly a wonderful and relaxing Christmas and we are so thankful that we were able to remember what the day is TRULY about... Jesus' birthday!
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