Merry, Merry!

On Christmas morning, the boys actually slept in a little (!), but soon enough, we heard their little footsteps and excited stage whispers-- Santa really came!  Look, Joergen!  God love my Grandma-- that was quite the wake-up call I'm sure!  

Under the tree was Liam and Joergen's number one gift from Santa: bows and arrows.  Even though they discussed their wishes for a bow and arrow every day for the last 6 weeks, and even though they told everyone who asked (and even those who didn't) that this was what they really hoped Santa would bring them, I think they were pretty shocked that Santa actually did!  Now, their bows and arrows were under the tree unwrapped, and that was a pretty smart move on Santa's part-- because that meant they were free game for the kids to play with while the grownups got some coffee and had a little breakfast!  We opened our stockings over breakfast, too, which bought us a little more time to sneak in a second cup of joe.

Now I'll admit, I was pretty proud of the kids for hanging in there, because there was probably a good hour in there from the time they got up on Christmas morning until we actually started opening gifts.  And that's basically an eternity for a 3- and 5-year old!  As we were finishing up breakfast, though, Joergen was nowhere to be found-- until I looked out on the sun porch.  My heart melted at this sweet reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

For unto us is born this day a Savior who is Christ the Lord!

Then, no sooner were we about to finally start opening those gifts, when look who came walking past the house!  The boys were so excited to show Aunt Doreen, Theresa, and Krissy their new bows.

Then, for real this time, it was time to open gifts :)  Some favorites:

Joergen's electric train set from Dad

"With my OWN REAL CONTROLLER!"

The grandparents opening their photobook gifts from us:

A picture of his 6 grandchildren (in which everyone is smiling, even!)

A Christmas-themed 6-pack in an insulated carrier from me

NINJA TURTLE COSTUMES!! (Thank you Dunlap Derrys!)

A STUFFY! (Seriously- he has been asking for one for the better part of a year, thank you Nana and Grandpa!)

A huge surprise from Santa- a LeapTV!

A special gift to Liam from Dad- his old iPad.

GG opening something pretty!

Love Grandpa's new shirt (and pretty sure he loves it too!)

Speaking of love... Dad's addition to his train set

After all the gift giving and receiving, it was time for everyone to have some fun with their new toys.  I got to work in the kitchen (having fun with some of my own new toys!), while these three protected the house from ninja attackers.  This is my favorite picture of Christmas-- and maybe ever.  My grandma is the coolest!

We also got a little FaceTime in with our French family-- Joyeux Noel!

And, this is how Joergen spent most of his day (ok, his entire Christmas break):

That evening, with much help from Nana before the meal and Grandma afterwards, we sat down to a lovely Christmas dinner of roast prime rib.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!