Christmas Day 2012

Christmas Day Erik and I actually woke up before the kids.  It was a little before 8:00 and I figured we needed to get up and get going so we could make it to all the places we needed to go that day. :)  Erik and I got up, and then went in to get the kids up shortly after 8:00.  The kids came down and right away saw the presents under the tree.  Kyler found his stocking after we reminded him to look for his name, and not Norah's. :)  The kids opened their stockings first.  We had to encourage them to keep going, as they wanted to stop and play with each thing they opened. :)  After stockings the kids opened the rest of their presents.  I love picking out things for Kyler and Norah, and was so excited to see them open their presents.  Erik and I also exchanged a couple of gifts, but we really don't get a lot of things for each other.  We let the kids play with their toys for a few minutes and then it was off to get dressed, eat breakfast and pack up the car to head to Christmas #2!  Here are some pictures from our Christmas as a family of four!

Norah checking out her stocking

Kyler looking at a present from his stocking

Still opening :)

Norah opening

Norah checking out her Loving Family "Grandpa" :)

Kyler lining up his Cars guys :)

Norah modeling her new backpack 

Kyler opening his Duplo set

Enjoying their new things! :)

As soon as we got everything loaded up, we headed over to Ashley's parent's house to have Christmas #2 with her parents and brother.  Both kids were really in the "opening" groove by now, and were ready to open more presents!  We were trying to have the kids help pass out the presents, and Norah was just going to start opening whatever we handed to her. :)  We had to remind her to help pass out and then we would open. :)  We had a wonderful time opening presents with my family, and then enjoyed a yummy "brunch" of waffles, bacon, and oranges.  After brunch, which was really lunch, :)  we put the kids down for some naps.  Norah took a great nap, while I'm pretty sure Kyler didn't sleep at all, but at least he laid down for a while. :)  While the kids napped, I made a salad to take to Christmas #3, and most everyone else got ready for the day and then took a quick nap as well.....somehow I missed out on the napping.... :)  Here are some pictures from Christmas #2. :)

Organized chaos :)

Trying to get organized

Wanting some chocolate!

Handing out presents

Grandpa helping Norah

Checking out her baby's new spoon :)

Kyler opening

Showing off his new Duplo set

Feeding her baby

John Deere tractor filled with farm toys :)

My dad with the shoe shine box Erik made him

Norah with her new Christmas baby

Miss Norah!

Kyler with his new trains all lined up!

My mom with the photo book I made her of the summer at the lake

Opening cards on the couch :)

After we got everyone up from their naps, (we had to wake up Norah because she was out cold!), we loaded up the car again and headed North to Denver to have Christmas with my Mom's side of the family.  This celebration included about 24 people ranging in ages from 1 to 70+ and included 3 generations. :)  When we arrived, the youngest generation (Kyler and Norah's) opened presents.  The rest of us had decided we weren't going to exchange gifts this year.  Once again Kyler and Norah were truly blessed by the generosity of others and opened some more fun presents.  After the kids were done opening presents, we enjoyed a wonderful Christmas meal of ham, potatoes, bread, salad, and just about anything you could ever want to eat. :)  After we were all stuffed to the brim, we cleaned up dinner, and then kids played, board games came out, and we just hung out and chatted.  About 8:00, we got out some desserts and enjoyed some more yummy food before we packed up and headed back home.  Here are some pictures from our Christmas #3!

Cousins Ryan and Andrew waiting their turn

Kyler and Norah ready to open presents again

The other side of the room :)

Ryan and Andrew opening a present

Norah with her backpack she got to put her baby in :)

Modeling her backpack :)

Wrestling match :)

Uncle Ben helping Norah with her new airplane!

We had a wonderful Christmas Day.  It is becoming so much fun to watch Kyler and Norah celebrate Christmas as they get older and understand what is going on.  We were definitely blessed by all of the wonderful things that our children received as gifts and are so grateful for the family we were able to share the day with.  We hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas Day too!!