Christmas Day 2012

There is something magical about having Christmas morning in your own home and going at your own pace. I think it will be pretty hard to convince us to do it differently ever again, now that we've experienced it for ourselves. It was perfect this year. Absolutely perfect.

The kids got up about 7:30am and gathered in our room. Then we headed downstairs to open stockings and the trampoline.

 

While the kids played with their stocking stuffers and took turns testing out the trampoline, I made tapioca pudding. (This tradition comes from Aaron's family.) It took me about 45 minutes to make the pudding, but the kids were happy, and since we were on our own time table for the morning there was no rush. Everyone got a small bowl of pudding, and inside someone's pudding is hidden an almond. Whomever had the almond in their pudding gets to pass out the presents. Lincoln got the almond, and was thrilled. 

 Lisa's family gave our family a globe, and we are all very excited about it!

Aaron made money banks for the boys, and they each got a roll of pennies in their stocking. Big hit.

All the kids got a set of Magna Tiles to share. These are great building blocks the whole family can play with.

Aaron and I got each other matching chairs to go in the living room for Christmas. They are really comfy and look great. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in mine to watch the kids open their presents.

Later in the morning Grandpa and Grandma Swan and Kelly and Esther and Asher came over for Christmas brunch. One thing I love about Christmas is that all the food is outstanding. I think that might be one of the things I look forward to the most...Christmas eating. :) 

Ivan got a tool set from G&G Swan and hasn't stopped playing with it since. He says it's his most favorite Christmas present ever.

G&G Swan gave Adelia a Rapunzel doll, which she adores. It hasn't left her side since she opened it.

Christmas dinner was excellent. I made my first ham ever...a bone-in shank ham, and it turned out perfectly, just the way I like it. It reminded me of my Mom's cooking. :) We also had rolls, yummy potatoes, green bean casserole, and topped it off with pumpkin pie. Did I mention that I love food on Christmas? Because I do. 

After the kids went to bed, we played Mexican Train with Chuck and Debbie. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day. 

Merry Christmas!

Going to Hooper tomorrow, weather permitting.