Merry Christmas!

We started Christmas Eve with our traditional Christmas Story and both the girls got to open their Christmas PJs. Christmas is definitely more exciting when you have kids - all of a sudden, it's magical again. Jenna helped make gingerbread cookies for Santa, and because the reindeer would be hungry, too, we left a bowl of oatmeal outside for them. But this is no ordinary oatmeal, no, it's special sparkly Christmas oatmeal. We put glitter in it to make sure that Santa's trusty reindeer would be able to see it from the sky. Jenna fell asleep, and Santa came, as usual.

At 7:30 AM, Jenna came careening into our room and whispered rather loudly, "Mommy, Santa filled my stocking with candy!" She ran out, only to return seconds later, "Mommy, Santa came and left presents!" Of course, there was no way of rolling over and ignoring our jubilant 4-year-old, so we got Miriam out or her crib and headed toward the Christmas tree. Jenna passed out presents - she's old enough that she can read all the names on the tags now. We ate yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast and enjoyed the rest of the holiday by devouring way too much chocolate and listening to happy squeals of laughter from the girls as they enjoyed their new toys and games.

Before opening their PJs

Jenna loved how soft they were and Miriam was just plain happy!

Saying goodnight to the Christmas tree.

Miriam checking out her stocking loot.

The girls with their stockings.

Jenna passing out the gifts.

Jenna gave Luke a race car -
she was pretty proud that is was completely her idea.

Miriam had a hard time figuring out the ribbons, but had no problem tearing the paper to pieces!

Jenna opening her baking set from Grandma and Grandpa Prizer.