A Merry Christmas Day...

Christmas morning finally came!

We slept in my parents basement for Christmas this year just like we used to when I was a kid. 

(Can you tell who is not the early bird in our family?)

I love that this picture captured both Madison and Brooklyn's reactions to their gifts from Santa.

Madison got her guitar she asked Santa for in person only two weeks before Christmas and Brooklyn got her magic amulet she had always wanted!

This year Karl asked everyone for Lindor Truffles and Lindor Truffles he got. In the end, we ended up with approximately 130 truffles. My sisters and I found this giant truffle and couldn't resist buying it for him.

We don't know the first thing about guitars at our house (Mommy actually broke a string within 5 minutes of having it out of the box) but at least she looks like a natural.

After making a quick stop by home to drop off Christmas number one, we headed to Logan for round two with Karl's family.

Due to a special Christmas wish made by little miss Violet, we had a special visitor stop by on his way back to the north pole.

What did this sweet girl ask for Christmas you may ask?

Cheese sliced special just for her by Santa.

The gifts from Nana and Pop pop were also a big hit.

Aubrey LOVED her doll and stroller.

 And Brooklyn was so excited about getting her very own cookbooks! She looked at those books for the rest of the evening- looking over every single page. She and Maddie even wrote a list of all the recipes they can't wait to try.

The little boys just enjoyed getting to lay around

And were quite entertained by this excited big sister...

Brooklyn's new cookbooks go great with her new apron and hat from Grandma Jo. I sure do love my little chef... and can't wait for her to be able to take over in the cooking department for our family!

Is this not the most brilliant gift idea ever? I loved that the girls can actually be cleaning while they play. And it's easy enough even Aubrey can join in.

The aftermath of the Christmas Tornado...

To say we were spoiled this year would be an understatement! We consider ourselves very, very blessed to have such wonderful families that love us so much. Thanks to all of you for making our Christmas so wonderful this year!

Christmas Eve...

Christmas Eve was spent at Auntie Linda and Uncle David's house this year. We celebrated in true fashion.

There was lots of music played by all in attendance...

 And with many different instruments...

The food was delicious... 

Somehow Papa Ken still ended up at the table all alone... :)

 This here was Aubrey eating a whole chocolate dipped oreo all at once...

And the company was great...

Some even got in a few winks...

And the new Christmas PJ's were enjoyed by all... even if it didn't seem like it at times.

The evening quickly came to an end when we heard Santa's bells ringing in the neighborhood, just in time for bed.

I'd say our Christmas was off to a great start.

An early Christmas celebration...

Aunt Heidi, Uncle Ovidiu and Cousin Paul came to visit this last week. We all loved getting to spend time with them, as well as the rest of the family.

Since Heidi and Ovidiu couldn't be here for the actual holiday, Grandma Jo and Papa Ken surprised all the grand kids with a few extra pre-Christmas presents.

The gifts were all a big hit.

And look who's sitting up all on his own. He's growing up way too fast. Seriously kid, you've got to be my baby for at least a little while! 

If this is a sign of what Christmas is going to be like for our family, this year is going to be awesome! The kids were all so funny opening their presents. Thanks mom and dad for the fun surprise gifts!

Heidi and Ovidiu did not get to stay near as long as we would have hoped, but we loved having them here. We miss you already!