CHRISTmas Day, 2012

Christmas morning dawned bright and (very) early at our house. By 5:15 am Corban and Hudson were both up, begging to go downstairs to see what Santa brought them. 

We did our best to hold them off for a while, but to be honest, Shane and I were just as giddy and couldn't wait for them to open up their presents as well.  Finally around 6am we gave in and let them go wake up the rest of the crew!

Everyone bolted out of bed and ran downstairs just as fast as their little legs could go!

They were so excited and couldn't wait to see all the loot Santa had left for them. 

Addy-Kate was a total hoot to watch as she opened each gift!  I think she liked her presents, but the BEST part to her was the actual opening.  I don't know if it really mattered as to what was inside, but she LOVED tearing into the pretty wrapping.
And most of the time the paper was ripped into a million tiny pieces.

Her new baby doll was probably her most favorite gift and it hasn't left her side since.

Sophie's favorite gift would have to be her new Rapunzel doll---which she had been eying at Target for a while now.

She also got a new outside ride on toy, and Rapunzel has already enjoyed several rides around the block;)

Sweet Hudson was all about the trucks and the cars this year. He got a new car to ride outside also and a HUGE Tonka dump truck.

The big boys were thrilled with their new scooters along with a few other fun "boy" things they received too.

 And, of course, we couldn't forget our sweet dog, Molly. 

She really, REALLY liked her new red frisbee and her gingerbread men raw hides;)

Breakfast was simple, but we tried to make it special.
While the kids played with their new toys, Shane and I busied ourselves in the kitchen.

We made sausage strata and I decided to try a new recipe out this Christmas...

Paula Deans French Toast Casserole.

It was REALLY yummy. I love the fact that both of these dishes could be made the day before, so Christmas morning I just popped them in the oven and they baked while we opened gifts.

After breakfast, the kids were BEGGING to go outside and play with some of their new toys.

Molly was excited to try out her new gifts as well! 

 The entire day was spent playing with new toys and having fun together.

That evening, we hosted Shane's family for Christmas dinner.
His family is much smaller than mine but our time together was just as sweet!

 Our evening was made complete as we lit a birthday candle and once again focused our hearts on the true reason for this wonderful season.

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!
 We celebrate BECAUSE you CAME!!!!!!