OUR VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!!

MeRRy CHRISTmas everyone!! Hope one and all have had a day as jOyFuL as we have. Christmas 2008 must be the best one yet with Logan and Ellie. Although the sleeping Christmas Eve would not be considered the best!!! Yesterday for Christmas Eve we went sledding on some great hills near Darin's work. The kids were really brave and were aiming for a little jump--a jump I was scared to have them go over!!! We ate lunch at IHOP so the kids could have pancakes. That evening we let the kids open three gifts. The first was new Christmas PJ's from aunt Rachie. Thanks Rachel!!! We LOVE them and are becoming quite attached to this tradition!! My sister Rachel, sews matching PJ's for all the little nieces and nephews each year. This year it was Tinkerbell turquoise shiny nightgowns for the girls with matching fleece blankets. And for the boys, Thomas holiday bottoms with long sleeved red T-shirts. Can't wait til we get with the cousins to get some pics!! The kids second present was bathrobes. They have been asking for them forever!! It's so cute to see them wearing them--acting like they are 17 years old!! It's just so MATURE to wear a bathrobe!! Their third gift Christmas Eve was Mr. Sketch scented markers!! Both the kids teachers have these at school. I LOVE smelling them when I help in the classroom--makes me feel like I am right back in the second grade. That's when I had my own set. The scents are the same as they were 30 years ago!!! So, really, the markers were for me!!! I'll try not to to sniff too often!!

We left oats and celery outside for the reindeer. And of course a plate of goodies and hot chocolate for Santa. The kids drew pictures for Santa. SO CUTE!!! They also wrote letters. I told them they could not ask for anything in these letters, since they have had multiple opportunities to ask through out the month. So Logan wrote, "Dear Santa, HO HO HO. Love, Logan". Ellie wrote, "Dear Santa, All I want to say is Merry Christmas. Love Ellie". This morning Santa's treats were all eaten. The reindeer food was long gone, including the little containers--it was a VERY windy night. Speaking of nights----what a night!!!! Logan was so excited, he literally could not sleep. Ellie wanted to sleep in his room--so we moved her mattress in with Logan, and Ellie went right to sleep. Logan was up late. And up early!! Starting at around 2:30 AM, the boy was awake every half an hour wondering if we could go open presents!! At about 4:30 AM I thought I might start crying!! Darin and I both had LONG naps today to catch up. Did Logan nap--NO WAY!!! We're hoping it doesn't mean a seizure in the morning!!

Our day today was a perfect Christmas with the kids. They were both so excited and happy and thankful for all their presents. After we opened their stockings, we had a quick reminder of who's birthday we were celebrating, and we all sang, "Happy Birthday" to Jesus before opening all the other gifts. It was so FUN to see the kids excited to give us their gifts. They were so proud of what they had given us--lovely things like lotions, bubble bath, nail clippers, flashlights, calendars made at school, and a candle with a PARROT on it!!

It was a perfect day of naps for mom and dad, doing puzzles, watching movies, staying in PJ's, eating fun food, and of course playing with new toys nonstop.

In the picture below are the kids 2-wheeled scooters they asked Santa for. They've decided they are WAY to old for their 3-wheeled scooters. And the favorite gifts of the day--their very own Little Tykes digital cameras. They have taken hundreds of pictures today!!!

Little Miss Ellie got everything she asked for and more!! Santa granted her requests for a Christmas bride dress, Christmas Barbies, and MAKE-UP!!! Only Santa would bring the girl make-up!!! The deals Santa's elves got on the dress and Barbies is so SWEET!!! What girl asks for a Christmas bride dress??? And what elves HAVE one!!! Ask me later!! She also received a big rug for her bedroom, two cute dolls, a tea set, stuffed unicorn, purse, princess Wallies, View Finder, etc. Too much to list. As soon as she saw the dress, off went the PJ's and she wore that thing until bedtime tonight!!!

Mr. Logan had his wishes granted as well. Top of the list is "Little Angel". (See entire post about this!!) he got a tool board and builder kit. A magnet board to make courses for balls with all different PVC pipe pieces. (See middle picture.) He loved something similar at the Children's museum, and Santa's elves tried to make it. He got an over-the-door basketball hoop, Hopscotch Twister game, and orange cones. He'll use the rings and cones to make obstacle courses--not to really play the game. A cap gun, a mini blow gun, Power Ranger power "gloves"???(no clue what they are called), and MUCH more!!

It sure sounds like the kids are spoiled. But we truly cut back this year and we were happy last night after Santa came. It wasn't nearly as North-Pole-ish as it has been the past few years. Now if we can just scale it back a tiny bit each year--they won't expect Toyland every year. They were both so appreciative today. They kept telling us thank you, and Merry Christmas. There's just nothing like watching a child's eyes light up all day long each time they can't believe Santa brought them what they asked for!!! Sweet, magical, perfect Christmas!!!