Christmas Day

Christmas Day turned out just as wonderful as Christmas Eve. Although we definitely miss getting to see all of our family, it is kind of nice to be on your own schedule for the day. It was noon before anyone thought of getting out of their pajamas!

This year the whole holiday experience was so much more than it ever has been before. Both boys really got what Christmas was...the story of Jesus (who Jacob prayed for without out being prompted on Christmas Eve), the enchantment of the lessons and carols services, the giving of gifts to other people, the anticipation of Christmas morning. It was infectious and really added to the spirit of the holidays!

Don't tell the boys, but I snapped these first two pics on Christmas Eve...after Santa came. I knew they wouldn't be able to hold off while I took photos in the morning.

Surprisingly they both slept until about 6:45/7:00 and let me read them stories in our bed while Daddy took Annie for her morning walk.

Zack just getting started on his haul from Santa.

Jacob's pile.

Surveying the damage...and what was left to open.

Zack had one present that he was absolutely, positively convinced Santa would bring him. How can you disappoint that level of assurance? Despite the size of the box, he waited until the end to open it. The look on his face at getting his Dragon Castle says it all!

Luckily when Jacob was questioned about his top choice (other than a Wii game), it turned out that Santa had read his mind. A big set of Indiana Jones Legos made his morning!

Daddy and Jacob got started on construction while breakfast was being prepared.

Zachary needed no assistance exploring all of the features on his new castle.

Even Annie got something. Jacob was very concerned that she might be forgotten and gave her the present before anything else was opened that morning. Pretty impressive!

The Legos provided hours of fun!

Christmas isn't Christmas if you don't get to play some of the new Wii games from Nana and Grandpa.

For some reason, this picture is the only proof I have that my parents were at our house on Christmas Day. The arrived around 2:00 and stayed until Monday morning. The lady who takes way too many pictures only caught them opening that set of presents on the seldom used video camera! I know there are some photos on Nana's camera but she's even further behind than I am! ; )