Christmas Morning Part II

By the time everyone got to Grandma Charlene and Papa's house, it was after ten. The first things the kids found when they walked into the front room were these three beauties tied up by their stockings. Santa must have forgotten a few of his reindeer, but his loss was Bryn, Liam, and Hudson's gain. The look on Hudson's face lets me know that he is already planning mischief once he is able to walk/ride his reindeer. I also love how at one point my children began to hold their toys as weapons. Bryn looks as if she is a wielding a broadsword, and Hudson is toting around a bazooka gun. I am sure these reindeers, along with their owners, will spend a fair amount of time in time-out over the next few weeks.

We all gathered around the Christmas tree and began Christmas Morning Part 2, and once again, it was much of the same: looking in the stocking, trying on princess tiaras and funky glasses, opening games and doing puzzles before all the presents were unwrapped. Honestly, we could probably just buy one gift for each of the kids and call it good, but there is something that makes me deliriously happy about having a mound of presents under the Christmas tree. And so, year after year, I am sure that Nate and I will continue to go overboard and make sure that under the Christmas tree is stuffed with presents. 

Poor Oscar was going into a tizzy with all the wrapping paper and the kids' excitement. Nate took it upon himself to settle Oscar down by speaking a common language they seem to share. Scott was stoked to get his gift, the universal gift card. He was also kind enough to help a very disinterested Hudson open up a few of his gifts, seeing how the novelty had worn off a few hours ago.

This year Nate received some expensive chef grade kitchen knifes from his parents. Nate and his eclectic choices never cease to amaze me, but at least I will get to enjoy whatever those knives cut up. I chose a beautiful framed picture of the Bountiful Temple, something that I have wanted to get for our house for a long time.

Charlene was the recipient of another bear statue. She has a mantle full of bear figurines that she had received over the years. This year while we were at Bryce Canyon during Thanksgiving, one of the boys saw her eyeing these dancing bears which was then discreetly purchased. Neal was surprised to find a new snowboard with his name on it, even though he was told that the one he wanted was too expensive. Oh, the lies that we tell at Christmas time to keep things interesting. 

Great Grandma Burk sat there and enjoyed herself immensely. She loves to be surrounded by her family. Bryn was more than happy to show off her new presents, and even though Great Grandma Burk suffers from macular degeneration, I often heard her say, "oh, that's nice," while Bryn held up another gift for her inspection. These kids are so fortunate to be able to spend time with their great grandparents. While we were opening gifts over at the Burks, my parents were at the airport picking up my grandparents, Gigi Ma and Gigi Pa Plumb, who would be staying at our house for the next couple of days.

Once the presents were all opened, the kids began to play with all of their new toys. The Christmas spirit must have been strong in that room because there was no yelling, screaming, or accusations of someone taking a toy that didn't belong to them. Chalk it up to a Christmas miracle!

After the last present had been opened, and the living room was relatively put back together, it was time to start preparing for The Big Feast.