The pitter-pattering of little feet began about 6 am. When the whispers and giggles could be contained no longer, we willed ourselves out of bed to enjoy the morning magic.
Santa had definitely come and filled the stockings with loads of treats and toys for each good little boy.
Dad opened his gift from Santa first, which was a new video camera. Luckily, it was charged and ready to go, so dad had at it.
Carsen was the first to open his biggest box.
He was so surprised to see the Lego set that he had been begging for for the last 2 years and that mom forbade; the Death Star. He was elated and in love immediately.
Derek opened a new XBOX 360 with lots of games, including the coveted Cabella's Big Game Hunter. He was a bit wary of the gaming system, but eventually fell in love.
Jake was surprised by a new bike. He has yet to learn to ride a bike, but Santa was determined that this was the year of the family bike ride. So Jake had better get on and ride, or be left behind.
Santa also brought him some Star Wars Legos and other fun XBOX games.
They all had more than they ever needed, but I just can't help myself!
As soon as all the gifts were opened, it was time to go to church. We hurried and got ready and left to enjoy a beautiful celebration of Christ's Birth.
Once back at home, the boys began to more carefully examine their gifts. They each opened a few and tried them out.
After the mom and dad had a little nap, we headed over to Nana, Grumpaw and Raelynn's for time with the Rodgers' clan. Grumpaw cooked delicious steaks with all the fixings. We ate and talked and enjoyed being together as a family.
Once our food had settled, we began the 2nd annual white elephant gift exchange. We had a lot of interesting items, a few repeats and much laughter. We ended the exchange with our 2nd annual "snowball fight in a box". Grumpaw concluded the evening with his testimony of the love his has for this country. His father gave his life for our freedom and his Grandfather had also fought in WWI. He and Nana had made special State Quarter Maps for each of the grandchildren, which they passed out to each child with great love and affection. This made a perfect ending to a wonderful Christmas celebration.
My mother Dianne loved Christmas. I am sure she worked, scrimped and saved all year to make sure our Christmas was wonderful. She was giddy and soft hearted about each little tradition. The homemade cookies, the books, the lights she oohed and awed at, the huge pile of gifts under the tree, the full stockings hanging from the railing (never complete without an orange, tic tacs and a new tooth brush), the smell of the fresh pine tree, pizza on Christmas Eve with the Cahills, new homemade Christmas Pajamas and slippers opened after reading from the Bible on Christmas Eve. I am sure she is the one that taught me to BELIEVE. I love her for that. It is ingrained deep into my heart and soul. I too love Christmas.
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