Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year!

On Christmas Eve the kids put out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Stanley also drew a picture for Santa. The kids were so excited for Santa to visit!

Excited kids in Christmas pjs

Cookies, milk, carrots, and Stanley's note

Ready for Santa

My favorite night of the year!

Christmas morning, Stanley woke up at 5 a.m. and came into our room announcing that Santa brought him a Nerf gun! As happy as we all were that Santa had brought presents, we told Stanley he had to to back to bed until at least 6:30 a.m. At 6 a.m., Stanley came back in our room saying he couldn't sleep. Matt and I were happy with the hour he waited, and so we got up with him. Lisa wasn't up yet, so I made coffee and Stanley and I peeked at Santa's presents. A little while later, sleepy Lisa came out of her room and we were able to start opening presents.

Stanley the early riser

Here's what Lisa and Stanley got from Santa:

We opened all our family gifts after Santa's presents. Our family and friends were so kind and generous in sending us so many wonderful presents. Stanley and Lisa also made gifts for Matt, me, and each other.

Robodog

Stanley's present to Lisa:
A little box filled with Pokemon cards, 2 dollar bills,
some pennies, and 2 chocolate coins.

Lisa's present to daddy:
A tree she made out of Duplos

All Lisa's presents

All Stanley's presents

After presents, we ate homemade cinnamon rolls, which were so delicious! Stanley said, "We should have these more often!"

Cinnamon rolls for breakfast

Later that afternoon, Lisa and I went for a hike at Round Lake. I couldn't tear Stanley away from his Legos. He built Lego sets in his pajamas all day, Christmas day...Stanley's dream.

Beautiful day for a hike

Christmas day hikers

Thank you to everyone who sent presents, called, Skyped, mailed cards, and thought about us during the holidays. We appreciate and love all our family and friends near and far!

Our annual family Christmas-morning picture