Christmas Morning, 2013

After arriving home from my parents house Christmas Eve night, the kids quickly went to work preparing our house for Santa's big arrival! Reindeer food was sprinkled in the yard, a snack was put out for Santa, and farewells were made to Sam, our beloved elf on the shelf! Soon everyone was nestled all snug in their beds, and within minutes, visions of sugar plums were dancing in their heads;)

The morning dawned bright and early (like 6:00am) for this crew, as everyone was UP and excited to see the surprises Santa had left for them under the tree.

As the kids bounded downstairs and headed into the living room, it was clear to everyone that Santa had indeed come!!!
Snowy footprints were left by the fireplace, the glass of milk -once full- was now empty, and only remnants of the snack left for him remained on the plate. Santa also left a very sweet note reminding the kids the true reason we celebrate Christmas. He told them gifts are FUN, but the best present ever given was born in a manger on a starry night so long ago.
Jesus is the reason we celebrate
and
 Jesus is what Christmas is ALL about!!!!
Thanks, Santa;)

It was the PERFECT reminder for all of us before we dove into the presents Santa so graciously left behind!

Addy-Kate received her beloved Dora bike...

Riley got his guitar...

 And Hudson received his Jake and the Neverland Pirate ship.

Corban got his rip stick and some clothes he wanted...

And Sophie received her Hippopotamus;) 

Yes...she REALLY did ask Santa for a hippo for Christmas this year! I'm NOT even kidding;) I'm sure the request left Santa scratching his head--because it did for Shane and I!

Sophie's very favorite song this holiday season was "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas"!

 She can sing it word for word. 

Every time we get in the van to go somewhere, Sophie begs to hear that song. 

We've probably listened to it at least 1000 times since Thanksgiving. 

Again...not kidding;)

I think Santa did a GREAT job filling Sophie's Christmas wish, because instead of a real hippo, Santa gave her Doc McStuffin's hippo friend, Hallie;)

Sophie was THRILLED;)

Phew!

Oh, it's fun to GET presents, but it's also fun to GIVE too.

Sophie blessed Shane and I with a BEAUTIFUL red ornament she made at school this year. It's been under the tree for over a week now, but Sophie was determined to make us wait to Christmas morning before opening it;)

And Corban gave Shane a super cool coaster he made for him at school too!

Oh, and both boys blessed me with some of their rainbow loom creations;)

So sweet!

The "littles" also got new spin-brushes in their stockings too, which I believe was their MOST favorite gift of all!! HA!!

Christmas breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, sausage, cinnamon rolls, and fresh fruit.  

We all gathered around the table together on Christmas morning, lit a candle and sang,

 "Happy Birthday to Jesus!"

It was the PERFECT way to end our joy-filled morning!