Christmas Day

Phew, it's gonna be Easter by the time I get these Christmas pictures finished...

For many years we have been using the same Advent calendar.  There are so many out there but this one is so simple and we read a part of the Christmas story every day.  The kids have loved it and we love it...so it's still going strong.

Finishing the Advent calendar

Listening to Daddy talk a bit more about the Christmas story

When I first saw this picture I thought, 'Oh how cute, but too bad that Josiah isn't in it.'  Look again!!

Nothing like the anticipation of opening presents to give me some great smiles!  

I love the genuine emotion and affection they give each other while opening their gifts from each other.  And no...this isn't an everyday occurrence!!

Claudia had gotten an antique looking warrior type bracelet for Aaron at a yard sale this summer.  She wrote up a legend about the bracelet.  Pretty unique and clever gift!!

After the gifts were all open I took some shots of what all the kids were doing:

New books are her favorite

Loving her new doll from Grandpa and Bev Heitland!

Construct-o-Bots also from Grandpa H and Bev

Building a monster truck.  love the ear plugs

Admiring all her goodies, though my first pic of her was her trying on her new clothes.  But she hated the pic so I didn't post it!