Our Christmas Day tradition has always been that we open presents here in our house first, and then go down to my parents’ house for breakfast, and then open presents there. The kids managed to stay in bed until 8 am on Christmas morning. I am thankful for small favors as this Mama was up until about 1 am, putting last minute touches on homemade gifts, wrapping presents and playing Santa and the Tooth Fairy.
I asked Madeline what her favorite present from me or Santa was, and this Panda Pillow Pet took top honors. The child needs an intervention when it comes to Pillow Pets. I am hoping (praying!) that the company stops making them, because I think she has them all.
This was Nick’s favorite present. He likes Beyblades, and I found this on a whim during Black Friday shopping with friends. Whims apparently pay off.
The scene at my parents’ house before the kids were let loose. My brother-in-law took pictures from the other side, to capture the kids’ “reaction shots,” but I haven’t seen them yet.
Tradition is always that the youngest in the family is in charge of distributing the Christmas presents. My (younger) sister was mighty glad when she was able to give up her post as Chief Giver Outer, and now with a collective four kids between us, the torch has definitely been passed. It worked out perfectly. Nick reads the labels and the oldest girls handled distribution.
I think it’s safe to say that this is one of Sadie’s favorite presents. It might not be my sister’s after a week of hearing Elmo sing the Chicken Dance.
Nick’s favorite present from Grandma and Grandpa.
The girls all got these chairs that turn into sofas from their grandparents. I tried to explain that I didn’t think Madeline needed one, but clearly I had no idea what I was talking about because they were a big hit all around.
My brother-in-law dozed off for a few minutes on the couch, and while he did, the girls kept “delivering mail” to his legs, tiptoeing as quietly as kids can at that age, scurrying away in fits of giggles.
Sadie is quite taken with Nick and was all but velcro’d to him for much of the day.
There were strict budgets this year, so I went the sentimental route. For my sister, I put together a photo album featuring some of the very best pictures she and I have taken of Sophie and Sadie during the year. We all take a ton of pictures, but finding the time to actually put them in an album is another story.
Poor Sadie tried her darnedest to make it through dinner. But couldn’t.
Sophie. Hiding. In a game of Hide and Seek. The concept of hiding is still in development.
Tomorrow, my turn. For my favorite present. The kind you can’t buy A very non-material one that is utterly priceless.
OMG, cute cupcakes. And lovely photos!
Sounds like oodles of fun at the O’Malley house! It’s always so funny which presents kids like best…usually the ones you wouldn’t expect!
Looks like a fantastic XMAS for ya’ll.
Looks like it was a wonderful day full of family and fun!