Christmas Morning

So it's finally here. The kids have been so excited and counting down the days. I love being a mom and seeing the excitement in my children. It makes me so happy and excited too. We had a great morning. Clark and Kate woke up at 5:30 and came in to get us but we sent them back to their bed until at least 7:00. They came back in at exactly 7:02. I don't know if they went back to sleep but we sure did. When they came back, they had Jake with them this time, at least for a moment. The next thing I know, Jake is running up the stairs saying that Santa had come and he saw all the toys. Clark was beside himself saying that he didn't want to know anything and that Jake better not say a word. He was also filling him in on the rules that have been the same for 8 years--waiting for Mom and Dad, saying prayer, lining up youngest to oldest on the stairs, waiting for the camera and video camera to get going, etc. and told him that he broke all the rules! Clark had also told Daddy on Christmas Eve to bring up the video camera when he went to bed and leave the tree lights on all night so that it was a surprise for everyone. It wasn't fair that he got to see everything first before the rest of us went downstairs. Although he said that he was going to see it all first when he had his own family. What a sneak! We then woke up Carlee and let the Christmas Day begin.

Following the rules just like they are supposed to--youngest to oldest.

Santa brought Carlee a rocking horse that neighs, wiggles its tail, and moves its head. She didn't know what to think of it. She was terrified and crying at first but by the end of the day she was rocking back and forth and moving her head just like the horse.

Santa brought Jacob some Playmobil Pirate stuff. He is wondering why he always gets an orange in the toe of his stocking. We don't know, but it's tradition. Maybe he needs Vitamin C?

Santa brought Kate an American Girl doll that she went crazy for and hasn't put her down since Christmas morning. She actually put her down in this picture so she could check out her Webkinz charm and bookmark.

Santa brought Clark some Pokemon toys and Mario and Sonic at the Olympics WII game. We surprised him with a camera and he was pretty excited about that. Now he can stop using ours!

Joe and I were spoiled too. We got a soft-serve ice cream maker, some cute snowman mugs, DVD's, frames for Joe's certificates, a portable DVD player, and a mattress topper.

We had a wonderful Christmas playing in our pj's all day long and just relaxing. The favorite game of the day was High School Musical Karaoke. Thank you to all our family for the wonderful gifts you gave. It is very much appreciated. We love you all and count our blessings as we celebrate this wonderful season and remember the greatest gift of all--Our Savior, Jesus Christ!