Merry Christmas 2007

On Christmas Eve we had a good time with family and the missionaries. We read the scriptures and ate as a family and friends.

After everyone left, we opened a few gifts and followed our regular nightly routine.
This year we did it right. We didn't count down until the night Santa would come. In the past that has made a range of emotions that makes that night unbearable. Some kids were scared that a man would be walking through teh house, but mostly it was anticipation. It is hard to finish up preparations if kids are excited, so the younger ones got right into their bedtime routine. We told the older kids to play along.

It was nice to have some quiet time after cooking all day and a quiet before the storm. Scott and I had some time to breathe. No I didn't get much rest.

I was up six times during the night with kids. Seth actually ran down stairs in the middle of the night(somewhere between 3 and 5 AM) to "get something." When I quizzed him if Santa had came- he had no idea but hurried to bed so that we would not be passed by. What was that important"something" was..he forgot half way down the hall(aren't dreams funny)

I put Benjamin back in his bed at 6:30am for the third time and I heard no rustlings. I thought for sure the kids would sleep past the"Stay in Your Beds until 7 am Christmas Day Rule." Nope.

6:58am there were 6 kids (even Alex) at our bedroom door.

As we went down the stairs the joyous gasps were a delight and I don't think anyone was disappointed by their treasures.

The rest of the day was, by design, playful, quiet and immediate family.

My favorite gift.....hmm it's a toss up between the love letter written to me by Alex or the (are you ready) 3HOUR NAP.

Here is a montage of our day.

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