I hope I never forget the cute kid sounds of Christmas Morning though. While waiting for us to come downstairs, all the shushes and giggles. All the guesses about what they're going to open. Sounds so fun! Totally makes me smile. Then all the cute remarks about every little thing they open and look at. Such gratitude and happiness. It's so fun! I really think that's going to be the hardest part about not having kids home once they all move out. I'm going to have to butt in on their kids' Christmases once they have them, just so that I can get my fix. I love it.
We did something new this year- letting all the kids sleep in Bradley and Luke's room downstairs together. That was something Nate did as a kid, so we thought we would try it. I think they had fun but I'm worried they didn't sleep very well. Stories of Jack keeping them all awake... Explains why he was so sleepy the next morning!
So first things first- the stockings. Santa stuck with the usual Pringles and Ice drinks. I love that he brings something that isn't candy! They need something to buffer it all. Noah declared that there was less candy in the stockings this year... interesting.
Couldn't get Jack Jack to wake up!
And THEN it was time for Christmas :). Opening presents that is. Youngest to oldest. We always start with the Santa gift first:
Erika opened Molly's for her. Cute elephant toy :)
Jack was so excited to open his gift from Santa. This is when he finally woke up. He had been SUPER drowsy up to this point.
Jack got the bike he was wanting. This is good because now we won't have to buy him one when summer comes!
Erika was anxious to see what wa sin the strangely wrapped package with her name on it...
Not quite the bike she had been picturing for her dolls, but "this one is actually better!" Good job, Santa!
Noah's turn.
His rip stick!
I think Luke's present from Santa was one of the highlights this Christmas. He had spouted out some random guess that morning, that maybe his was just a big box of pringles. We all thought he was nuts. Much to our surprise...
I think his reaction was one of the best I've ever seen! His gasp was one of excitement and surprise and shock all at the same time! It was so cool :)
We all have to see it to believe it!! Look at all the laughs in the background! It was a very thrilling moment :). Who woulda thought his guess could be so right!
Making sure they're for real :)
The size of Bradley's sure threw us off...
The tablet he wanted but didn't think he would get :). Wahoo!
Kelly's turn.
I think she likes her new phone.
I don't know about you, but these pictures make it look like she's planning to be disappointed. It sure didn't look like a phone box!
Hey! It is!
we were all still geeking out about Luke's Pringles.
So next we opened the gifts we made each other! I opened mine from Jack, it was a pasta necklace- so cool! He told me he was "tired make dat" so Kelly helped :)
Then Nate opened his from Noah, it was a white board with the markings like a basketball court for him to coach his team with. Very cool.
Charity opened Molly's for her (she made, wrapped and then unwrapped Molly's gift :) )
A cute mobile! Can't wait to decorate her new room with it.
Jack opened his from me
I loved his "ooooooooo.... what is it??"
He loved his fishing pond and fishies! I was so happy!
Erika opened hers from Bradley...
A fishing bag with fishing "lures" (gummi fish and sharks). He sewed the bag himself with just a little instruction!! And put the button on ALL by himself!! Pretty special!
Then Luke gave Noah his gift. I loved watching him open this. He had to dig through layers of duct tape. But the cute part was when he wanted to save the N Luke had made with the duct tape. He wanted to hang it on his wall :). Very cute. So special.
Marshmallow shooter!!
The best part of making these with Lukey was his reaction to the gold paint :)
Luke's turn to open the gift "Molly made" for him.
Marshmallow shooters to battle Noah :)
He gave Molly a thank you hug :)
Bradley's from Nate was wrapped in blankets :)
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Nate made him a peg board! American Ninja Warrior here we come ;) jk.
Kelly opened hers from Erika next. Erika was SO EXCITED to give this to Kelly. She had found THE perfect gift.
A cute prayer box... perfect for Kelly.
Lastly, Kelly gave Charity the gift she made...
No picture of the actual gift, but it was a cool C made with colored pencils and surrounded with words that represent Charity. Very cool.
We made the rounds a few more times, everyone was spoiled rotten! Including me! Nate always gets me way too much!! I loved my portrait studio! I can't wait to play with that! I was really excited to watch Nate open his gifts as well. I gave him a bluetooth thermometer for his smoking and some gloves. I think he liked them all :). He liked his resistance bands too :). Fun stuff.
Everyone helped Molly open her gifts :)
I was so happy Erika liked her cupcake game. That and her cheeseballs :)
We broke out a few of the games and played a little. Heidi and John showed up and played Guess Who with everyone. Grandma Hatch and Uncle Steve came as well. We all sat around and partied all day long!
Before everyone could leave, they had to sing happy birthday to me (got a great GoPro video of that! Just ask Heidi ;)) and eat some of the yummy ice cream cake Nate surprised me with! He also went all out and made delicious pork buns for dinner. He is so amazing! I don't know how he had the energy to do it all! I was completely exhausted, he had to be twice that!
We did manage to squeeze in a tiny little nap. Then Steve came back with Jauslin and we all played games and killed the rest of the evening :). What a big, fun day it was!! I just love Christmas. It's always so sad when it's over!
