December 25, 2010 Day 25

Day 25.......Merry Christmas!!

The day started with Olivia and Owen getting up at 7:50!! I was so excited it wasn't 4!  Owen told us he was going to get up after Santa left and just "wait" til morning on the couch, Oh Boy!  But he didn't.  Owen was up first the I heard Olivia's door open and she came sprinting out, leaned over the banister, then wiped her eyes like she couldn't believe them.  It was priceless.  Stockings first, then it took about 2.2 seconds for all the furry of presents to be opened.  Uncle Mark, Aunt LuLu, and baby Nolan showed up shortly after.  To cute in there matching jammies.  Gammie Fenton (which my kids call Grammie by the cornfield) will love this picture.  She LOVES when they are all dressed alike.  When I was little we ALWAYS took a Christmas picture on the steps. 

YEP, Owen is STILL in his Superman costume.  Grandpa showed up around 10.  We love having him here on Christmas morning to share breakfast and coffee with him.  Olivia played some Christmas carols on the piano.  It was absolutely picture perfect to see my Grandpa standing behind her watching her play on Grandmas piano! A memory that I will cherish forever. 

Owen playing with one of his many "favorite" gifts.  This is moon sand.  Can someone please tell Santa to never bring this stuff again? I think the dogs liked it more than Owen did, plus I will be picking up "sand" until spring.  BUT, Owen loved it and he played with it for about 45 minutes.  This year was full of Superheros for Owen.  Spiderman, Batman, Robin, Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, you name it, it was under the tree. 

So among the many wonderful gifts that Olivia got including an iPod touch that she can now officially text her friends, Grammie by the Cornfield got her a Coach Purse.  Her face was such a gift! Her and I went into the Coach store when we were shopping this season, so she really "understood" this gift.  She told me this was the "Best Christmas ever!"  All was worth it!!  Aunt Amy and Matt always come down in the evening.  This year Amy and I spent most of Christmas playing the Wii "Just Dance" and the "Micheal Jackson" dance game.  If you have a Wii, get it.  That was not only hysterical but so much fun!!

Olivia sharing her iPod touch with baby Nolan.  Baby Nolan really loved Owen's drum set.  Maybe Aunt Kelly will be getting them for his Birthday.........Aunt LuLu will be so happy.

Grammie always comes out Christmas morning to share in the festivities.  Her tradition is to bring the Breakfast Casseroles.  They were Yummy.  My mom has always loved to shop for us.  I think with 3 girls, you have to.  This year was no exception.  Her generosity is so genuine.  We love her beyond words.  All those years of dreading Christmas Traditions, to eventually love every minute of it.

Papa, taking a backseat, for as long as I can remember my dad has always sat in the "cheap seats" as we used to call it.  He would just sit back and enjoy all the unwrapping of gifts.  True to his personality.  His years of wisdom never go unnoticed.  One thing I enjoy most about the holiday's is just sitting and talking with him.  I always learn so much.  His laugh is contagious. 

So, I made it.  25 days of blogging.  Thank you to all who read this.  I have truly enjoyed sharing our Christmas traditions.  The holiday's for each of us means different things.  For my family it means being together.  Some people are stressed about being with their families at this time, but our family is not.  We would not have it any other way.  Some families HATE to spend time with their in-laws.  Again, not us.  I have been blessed with a family I would rather be with than without, and in-laws that are amazing beyond words.  I love you all, thanks for making 2010 a Christmas to remember.  I leave you with a final picture of Santa's footprints that he left at my house on Christmas Eve.  Continue to believe..........Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!!