Christmas Day

This first one is out of order, but oh well.

I look half-drunk instead of Benjamin, for a change.

Addie got a doll that "pees and poops," but I have to say it is such a disappointment. Santa even stocked up on extra "food", "juice" and diapers, but as it turns out the food isn't for that particular doll. Blah blah blah. Disappointment. I also like my guerrilla photography in the background.

Addie directing us to where all of her presents could be.

Immediately upon walking into the family room, Addie and Ben were greeted to the new parking garage. As you can see, it was a successful gift. I also like Richard's expression in the background- he was still wearing his hat and new gloves from Wendy from Christmas Eve.

Addie got the bike basket she asked for and Ben received a dvd.

Ben also received a "penguin game" which was something he was requesting out of all of the toy catalogs. Apparently any penguin game would do!

Much to my dismay Ben received his first Nerf item. It is called the Buzzsaw and Graham has one at MomMom and PopPop's house, so Santa knew how much Ben enjoys playing with it. Did you notice how Ben and Muddy's pjs seem to go together? When I saw his set at the store they reminded me to two things: 1)the boy from the movie Polar Express' pjs and Muddy's.

Addie had to give Brian big hugs over the fact that she opened a Daddy and blond-haired daughter for her dollhouse.

Guppy obliged and wore his Santa boxers with fur-trimmed legs and Santa hat. Really. We were all thrilled.

Addie (and Ben) was surprised to open a doll house.

You wouldn't know it yet, but Ben was the king of Geotrax trains this year. Below is Aunt Kim arranging them to fully lay out the best train track ever.

Pretty impressive, eh?

The adults spent more time playing with the train tracks and remote controlled trains than the kids did! Here's how Jeremy and I planned it out the day after Christmas--right through the doll house! (And yes, the house still looked like that big of a wreck the day after!)

Overall a very successful Christmas indeed. Addie and Ben received more gifts than necessary, and we'll have to give some toys away soon. I should mention that the four of us rang the bell for the Salvation Army again on Christmas Eve inside the mall from 10am-1:30pm. It's definitely a tradition we'll continue for years to come. People were generous and friendly and I like hearing people reply "Merry Christmas." I have no idea how much we collected, but our kettle was heavy and full.