Four excited kids on Christmas morning makes for a fun day. The kids were excited about their own gifts – they were equally excited about their sibling’s gifts and Bennett was heard saying multiple times, “This is the best Christmas ever.” He’s lived a short life thus far – I’m sure we have plenty of years to disappoint him!

The three older kids woke up around seven and played in Bennett’s room until Cannon was ready to wake up at 7:45. They rushed down the stairs in excitement. Santa is always very practical but he never disappoints – especially when he delivers a Spiderman toothbrush and Lego underwear!




Steve’s parents joined us for a little bit as the kids started opening gifts before making the rounds to see all of his siblings.

For how long it takes to prepare for Christmas – the morning sure seems to rush by.



In no time, the gifts had been opened, everything was piled in the living room and we moved on to making monkey bread for breakfast.

After breakfast we made our way outside to try out the new gifts and parade our matching pajamas to all the neighbors!

The afternoon was spent napping, playing with toys and enjoying Christmas. Late in the afternoon we met up with family at Steve’s parents house where cousins excitedly talked about their Christmas mornings and showed off their new light sabers. By the time we got home that night Christmas was over. Kids went off to bed and Steve and I looked at each other in slight exhaustion. We did it. Another year of Christmas magic – which often takes a lot of energy – and we made it. We spent the month filling our home and our hearts with Christmas spirit and it was worth all the effort. Eleven months until we do it all over again!