Merry Christmas!

So, yes, I'm a little late getting to the Christmas Day blogging, but here it is!

We had a very fun but low-stress Christmas! After the frenzy that leads up to the big day every year, I'm always ready to spend Christmas in as relaxing a way as possible. When that is achieved, to me life is GOOD!!!

The girls didn't wake up until after 7, they went downstairs without waking me and found Tom already up. He sent them straight back upstairs where they promptly woke Austin and I up so the festivities could begin. LOL! Usually, I am the first one up and have everything ready (cameras and such) but this year I'm a little off my game I suppose.

So, with much anticipation, the kids waited a few minutes while I got everything ready for them and Austin set up where he could see everything from his papasan chair. Finally, we were ready. Ooops, now we needed to take a quick picture of before the presents were opened. The kids smiled and posed as they waited a few more seconds to get to the presents.

The kids loved all their presents from both daddy and mommy, grandparents aunts, uncles, and cousins. From all the presents under the tree you never would have known that we all (the kids included) agreed to spend about half the money we would normally spend on the kids to fill "boxes of love" for orphans and children here in Japan who might need something special for Christmas! I think it worked out really well! Austin's faves were his light saber and planes. Elizabeth loved her dollhouse, and all the baby doll and pony stuff. Alycia loved all her craft making kits (make sure you see the video) and legos. The webkinz for all three of the kids were a big hit as well!