Our Christmas 2008

We started our Christmas festivities on Christmas eve at my mother in law's house. We ate supper and opened presents. The children were so excited and happy to finally be able to open some presents. We stayed and visited until Laurie informed me through her behavior that it was time to go home so she could get in the bed. Since 'Santa' still had some wrapping to do, I was happy to go on back to our house!
Christmas morning the children actually slept until 8 am! They were so excited once they were up because they knew it was Christmas morning (they have been doing an advent calendar). The boys tore into their presents and Laurie watched in amazement. This is only her second Christmas and I think she is still trying to figure things out. Jonathan was only too happy to help Laurie unwrap her presents! The kids got the items that were on their lists..which included items like Club penguin for the DS, an Idog and a mickey race track for Jonathan, Nintendogs, Go Diego Go for the DS, and a v smile for Nicholas, a baby doll and stroller and a sit and play piano for Laurie!!
It was on to breakfast after our santa gifts. Then we were able to talk to my parents on Skype. Two of my brothers came to my house to spend the holiday with us so my parents were able to see everyone except for my brother and his family who live in San Diego. I was so happy to get to see and talk to my parents..it made the holiday complete. I wish they could have been here in person with us but they will be in 2010. I guess that gives me something to look forward to. After that conversation with them, we opened our family gifts and headed to Columbia to see the rest of my side of the family (my aunt, uncle and their family and my grandmother).
All in all, everyone really enjoyed Christmas. And if you ask Jonathan or Nicholas why we celebrate Christmas...they will tell you that it is Jesus' birthday and that we get presents to celebrate HIS birthday! MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours!

Laurie loved this singing bear!