Santa Claus is coming to town!

If you ask any of my siblings they'll say that I was always the first one up on Christmas morning and always the one to wake them up... even when I was a teenager and even as an adult. Yes, it is true. They warned me not to wake them up on Christmas morning. I don't know. There is something about the magic of the day... the fact that Santa was there and left a glow about the room... and the special family spirit of togetherness that I still love to wake up to. Besides that... admit it... who doesn't love to get presents? I know we try to act all grown up by saying that we really don't need anything (which is most likely true) but who doesn't love to get a gift all wrapped cute no matter what is inside? I love the fact that someone has thought about me and spent time preparing a gift for me. I love to get presents. I also love to give presents and watch the surprise of someone else opening a presents. So, for these reasons and many more I love Christmas.

After a late night of doing the things parents do on Christmas Eve Merrill and I wanted to just take a nap and wait for Santa.

I love the setting of the living room with only the glow of the Christmas lights with all the presents arranged under the tree. It's magical to wake up in the morning and see the work of little elves. Mind you, these were presents set out for 15 people.

Spencer looked so little amidst all the presents. He didn't know where to begin.

Everyone took their part in stirring the custard. Mckay and Danielle's turn was extra long but to them it was worth it!

Of course children (and myself) wake up early on Christmas, but the waiting is painful for everyone to arrive. In my family we also enjoy a Christmas breakfast since the present opening literally lasts all day long and we need to nourish ourselves. Merrill and Ady tried to keep their themselves distracted with a little gingerbread house decorating thanks to Danielle's mom who makes these by scratch every year.

A happy Christmas morning breakfast.

Spencer opening a present from the Slichtas.

Kaden got so many car things. He was thrilled with this Hot Wheels race track!

Emmy would not let Santa forget that she wanted the talking Princess Kitchen. Santa was kind and took it to Emmy's home in Washington while she opened up a tea set to go with it.

Ady, the fashion designer got a snazzy studio thing. She's also sporting one of 2 super dazzly leotards.

The family got a Wii this year. Yipee!

Maryn with a couple of her gifts.

Emmy was quick to set up a tea party for everyone.

We left these Rudolph cookies for Santa to eat.

My parent's counter was filled so full of candy and treats and neighbor goodies that we didn't have room for anything else. We made ourselves sick. Looking back now I can't believe that we just ate and ate and ate that stuff. We did and loved it... but now we're paying the price.