Christmas morning 2012 was my favorite Christmas morning to date with our children. First of all, they slept till 8:00 even after we'd had a reasonably early night... and then snuggled with us in bed for a bit longer! Love the morning snuggles!! And secondly, we had been talking a lot in advance about how there would be one present under the tree from Santa, which was something they each really wanted/loved plus a stocking of small things. Then mommy and daddy would have three presents for each of them: something they need, something they can wear and something they can read. This was the most scaled down with gifts we've ever done and it was just soooo nice! Will and Sophie were completely excited about it and kept talking about the "want, need, wear, read" idea leading up to Christmas morning. It really hyped up the "what will Santa bring me for my 'want' present?" and they truly appreciated each thing they opened. BEST feeling ever to have grateful children without excess. My heart just couldn't feel any fuller that morning.
Sophie's "wear" present was a new L.L.Bean thermal-lined rain jacket. She was totally pleased because it was pink, of course. That's the new thing with her lately. She prefers pink over purple now.
Will's "wear" present was a new Hurley hoodie and long-sleeved tee. He loves his Hurley clothes!
I know the "read" present seems kinda redundant after they've just received 24 other books this month, but the 24 books are generally special/classic/quality books. These Christmas morning books were something I don't put a lot of value in but the kids love these particular characters. We don't buy books like this often, so they were thrilled.
Sophie's was a Strawberry Shortcake Christmas book.
And Will's was a Transformers book. The one that he loved most from our library loans.
Brutus got a couple of new toys/treats too and the kids loved watching him excitedly rip open a gift. :)
Will's "need" present was a new pair of snow pants, which instantly made him think of sledding and he was totally excited.
And Sophie's "need" present was a new pair of
super soft bunny slippers. I chose these because she was forever trying to squeeze her feet into these too-small bunny slippers of mine (or Casey's?) that Nana kept from when we were little. So I knew she'd love a better-fitting pair of her own. :)
Less presents under the tree really hyped up the gift opening for our WHOLE family (Craig, Brutus and myself) too. So it helped take away their "Christmas is all about me" feel as well. They were just as excited to see what we opened from each other too.
There were a few non-Ohio-State gifts that Craig really wanted/needed. But basically, Eastbay and I just made a deal... I told them: give me all your Ohio State stuff and I'll give you my money. :-)
There ONE gift from Santa under the tree. :)
A set of FIVE Transformers for Will. He almost crapped his pants. Haha!
And a little note card for Sophie. We asked he what it said and she told us: "It says Merry Christmas, Sophie!"... as though that's all her present entailed. And she didn't even seem sad about that! Hahaha!! We suggested she let Will read it to her and he told her to look for her present in the dining room.
Behind a strategically-positioned chair and under a blanket, she found her very own KITCHEN!!
She loved it!
Reading her new book.
Stocking time!
New hats to match their winter coats.
Notepads, stickers, water bottles...
The other two Alvin and the Chipmunks movies...
Prayers and breakfast. Omelets and cinnamon French toast casserole.
Checking out our message from Santa.
Totally in love.
Christmas at Nana & Papa's this year started just a little before lunch time. We planned on skipping nap and doing a big brunch at our own houses before convening at mom and dad's for gifts, lots of yummy snacking and games. We lounge in our jammies ALL DAY and it is wonderful.
Grandkids!
All four were surprisingly patient and obedient with gift opening. Nana handed out three gifts to each child plus a few to all the adults as well and we all took turns with opening.
So bummed I forgot to take the picture 15 minutes earlier when all the gifts were still there. :(
No idea what she was thinking/saying, but these crack me up. The kids also received gifts from my brothers and from Aunt Susan, Greg and Sami who were with us this year. So thoughtful! And it was so nice having them!
I got a lot of great pictures of Will opening here, but Soph seemed to be oblivious to anyone and anything around her, so I barely saw her face. ;)
Lindsay gave each of the kids a little stocking with some surprises inside. The little girls received mini princess nail polishes and a chapstick. Sophie wanted to share hers with Lindsay. :)
New Genoa Comet apparel for Will. His very first!
A so-so-cute, polka dot, tea set for Sophie.
Can't remember why the pout face, but I love this.
Cracking myself up at my brother Zach's fake nose picking in the background of Craig's gift opening.
The little girls (plus cousin Cora) all received these cute cheetah print shawls, sparkly purses, headband etc. from Aunt Susan and Sami. We are definitely going to plan an outing for them all to match.
Mini Mouse bingo.
Playing with Nana's Nativity.
Singing Happy Birthday to baby Jesus with a strawberry yogurt cake and candle for each little one to blow out.
GAME time!
Casey and Craig got serious and dominated on Bezzer Whizzer (sp?).
Super fun day with lots of great memories made.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
