Christmas Day

I was so excited for Christmas with our kids this year but I almost didn't want it to come because I didn't want the excitement and magic to be over.  Leila and Greydon were so excited and at such great ages.  They had a whole bunch of things they wanted but were happy with pretty much anything they got (there was nothing super specific they wanted or would be disappointed if they didn't get it).  But between Santa, mom and dad and grandparents I think most of their wishes were fulfilled.

Greydon came into our room just after six but he wasn't asking about Santa and presents so he just climbed into bed with us.  Around 7 Leila came in which meant it was time to get up.  Asher was still out cold but we woke him up.  

The kids headed for their stockings first because we always do those first thing.  

Asher loved what was in his stocking and immediately wanted  his squeeze food pouch opened so he could eat it and pretty much begged for all of them to be opened all morning.  I filled his stocking with them since he loves them.

Next the kids started opening their presents.  They were pretty  happy with everything and wanted it opened right away so they could play with the toy.   

Asher was a little confused about everything going own but loved ripping paper. Once he discovered that there were toys inside he was pretty excited.  

The aprons I made for the kids.  They have actually been a big hit and get used daily which makes me happy that my effort paid off.

I love Asher's expressions while opening this present.  He doesn't look to happy with what he got.  

She needed a new hat and had been begging for a scarf which she needed because recess can be brutal, something has got to cover up her chin and face

The aftermath

The kids were so spoiled and stuff was everywhere.  We had most of the wrapping paper cleaned up but all the packaging from the toys was out of control.

I gave Paul a Roku so he can now stream Netflix, or Amazon prime or Hulu plus or any other channel right to our TV without having to hook the computer up.  He loves electronic gadgets so he immediately had it opened and was getting it set up.  

The kids showing us the gifts from Aunt Ariane. 

Pretty much all I really wanted was some lotion.  I get really bad eczema on my hand and have tried so many creams and lotions and medicines and nothing works great.  Then last year my MIL gave me some lotion.  It was amazing and seriously cured my eczema well I ran out a couple of months ago and my hands have been suffering.  It is pretty expensive lotion for a small bottle.  I was so happy Paul got it for me, I immediately had to use it, it's the best stuff ever.  

The kids were so excited for this present.... A new trampoline!  Too bad it can't get set up for a couple months.  

I can't remember all the gifts the kids got but some of their favorites were

Greydon: Batmobile, Batcave, police station, transformers, and trucks

Leila: Lalaloopsy doll, Ariel bath doll, snow white doll, Legos, trampoline and a truckload of clothes

Asher: His ball popper, blocks and cars

Paul received this beautiful picture from his mom and sister.  It's called the Great Physician and then there are some scriptures underneath 

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go" Psalm 32:8

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

We had a very laid back morning with no rush to be anywhere.  It took us about 2 hours to open presents and then we had cinnamon rolls and breakfast casserole for breakfast.  Afterwards we played with toys, watched movies, skyped with our families, and did puzzles.

That evening we invited our friends the Spjuts over for dinner.  Jason Spjut is a 3rd year general surgery resident and their family is in our ward and they have children our kids ages.  Allison has been a huge support to me because she understands the whole residency thing plus being away from family. Jason actually had to work on Christmas so it was just her and their kids.  I didn't take a single picture because I just simply forgot to pull out my camera.  But we a a delicious dinner of ham, rolls and cheesy potatoes.  

It was a nice relaxing Christmas but it was a little lonely and definitely not what were use to.  It was very nice to open presents and play with the new toys and have no where else to be and it was extremely nice not having to haul Christmas present to and from Utah.  But we  really missed being with family, it's hard knowing parties and get togethers are going on and you are not there.  I guess it's something we will get use to and as our new traditions become more familiar I hope it gets easier.