christmas fun

On Christmas morning, the kids all have to stay upstairs until everyone is awake and ready which means that we don't usually make it downstairs until a little after 8am.  I love seeing the look of excitement on their faces when they finally come down the stairs!

We always go through our stockings first...

... and then open the presents from Santa.  This year he used the most delicious sugar cookies to label the packages!  After stockings and Santa presents, we take a break for breakfast-- our traditional Eggs Benedict casserole and orange juice.

And then it's time for presents!!  We always go one at a time, youngest to oldest, that way everyone can see each gift and enjoy the surprises.

Every year, the kids do Secret Santa and draw names and then get to pick out something for their sibling.

This year, Christopher picked out a Sofia doll for Ellie, Nick got Christopher a new band for his Apple watch, Ellie got Nick a Google Home Mini and Ben and Lexie picked out Lego sets for each other.  Nick also got Ellie some silly putty (with his own money!) and she was so excited!

Ellie was really excited about her new Belle jewelry box and necklace from Grandma and Grandpa!

We surprised Christopher with a PS4 this year and boy, was he surprised!!  And excited!!

Since there are so many of us, it usually takes several hours to get through all of the presents.  Ben had quite the Lego tower built by the time we were done!

One of Ellie's favorite gifts was her Luvabella baby-- she played with her all afternoon!

Such a good little mommy!