Merry Christmas!!!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! 

We put the baby Jesus in  all the empty mangers, and sang Silent Night. 

William was our earliest riser this year, but was very good and did not open anything, just organized all the gifts into piles, and gave us another 45 minutes of sleep.

This is our first American girl doll in the house!  We actually won it at a casino night and auction for the school, and I was more excited than she was.  I think she guessed what it was before she opened it, but was still thrilled.

Patrick's newest craze has been Origami, but from the origami Yoda books.  Sort of books with stories, but he mostly enjoys folding and making the characters.  This book comes with special paper, and he can even make ships and people.  We hope he will get into making me some swans and folding napkins for our next event, but I think we will only get Star Wars for a bit.

James' first gift was the Creature Power suit from Wild Kratts.  Chris is green, and James loves green, and the show.  It was such a simple gift, but he could have only had that one for his whole Christmas.  It's a great show, very educational, about animals, and I love that he was so happy!  He even wore it to Mass over his shirt and tie.

William wanted to rush through the gifts and "help" everyone else open their gifts.  We try to take turns from youngest to oldest so it lasts longer, and we are able to enjoy watching the joy in others' gifts.

William and James got Legos from Grandma and Grandpa, and James said, "Now I don't have to take William's Legos!"  What a nut.

Daddy got ties, and batteries in his watches so he could use them again.  Don't all Dads get ties at Christmas?

Family gifts were Wii games, Batman and Star Wars.

"Merry Christmas, Daddy!"

Lucy fell asleep and was totally disinterested in the presents.  It made for nice snuggles with Mommy.

Getting ready for Mass.  We tried to put a suit jacket on James, and he took it off right after this photo. 

Love this shot!  We are so blessed!!!!

First Christmas!  I could just eat her up! She is adorable!

So sweet and smiley.

Best gifts are the ones that keep on giving.  They are ready to help us out around the house.