Christmas 2014

I woke-up first this year - around 6:30, partly habit and partly too uncomfortable to sleep more than that. The kids started to wake-up around 7:30am. First, per usual, was brother M.  I told him that it was okay to start with his stocking. By 8 am big sis A had joined in the fun. 

Our bishop asked us to read the Christmas story before we started opening presents and the kiddos had talked about it in primary.  We did that and then we went around taking turns opening, from youngest to oldest. We saved the biggest/most special presents for last.

 Big sister A got a nice little recorder and has already shown how she takes after her dad (naturally musical).  She was driving me a little nuts practicing, but then we found some great lessons on Youtube, and she has been watching them over and over. Now she can play "Hot Cross Buns".

At the very end the boys had their huge Thomas the Train set to open and Abi had her Frozen dolls.

 Everyone had fun setting up and playing with the Thomas toys.  We didn't let them get much out in the living room. We took it all up to the toy room and Daddy helped them create a huge station.  I was not sure about the table at first, but I am SO glad that we got it. It has 6 bins that sit underneath, which are perfect for clean-up and storage. And it gives them a focal point for their play (less spreading of train tracks/toys everywhere).  It is just the right height too. Only problem is that there is no way to fit all the buildings on it. They have to tear down the "town" and then build a new one with different buildings.

Big sister A got a new pioneer dress from Grandma Suzy, which she has worn most of the time since she opened it, including to church today.  Great idea Grandma! One of our other favorite new toys is the "Break the Ice" game that my little brother and I used to play over at our friend's house (see it in the bottom right corner of this pic?).  I saw that they reissued it and remembered how much fun it was.  Unlike most board games it only requires two players, it goes quick (like 10 minutes), and they can set it up themselves.  We have already played it about 20 times.