On Christmas Day in the Morning

I am trying to work on refining our new schedule this week, which seems to be leaving very little time for the computer. I would love to answer all the emails in my inbox, post about the school books we've been using this year, and answer a few other questions, but it might take a little while to get to it all.   In the meantime, I do have a number of "drafts" that I may be able to find the time to complete and publish this week, starting with some pictures from Christmas morning!

As always, Hubby and I gave the children three gifts each, though in a couple cases two or three items were combined to make "one" gift. It was such a joy to see the children's excitement as they took turns opening all of their presents.

~ Gifts for the Boys ~

Captain's Gifts:

Playmobil Viking Longboat

(I purchased the Longboat on ebay, since it has been discontinued. Captain could hardly believe it!)

Flag Raising on Iwo Jima Poster and Western Six-Shooter Cap Gun

Settler's of Catan Seafarers Game Expansion

Rascal's Gifts:

Lego Toy Story Western Train and Woody's Round Up

Washington Crossing the Delaware Poster and Western Six-Shooter Cap Gun

Carcassonne Game

Snuggles Gifts:
Sheriff Woody Doll
Buzz, Jessie, Rex and Sarge Beanies
Narnia Sword

~ Gifts for the Girls ~

Twinkle Toes' Gifts:

Elizabeth Doll, Accessories and Riding Outfit

Music Sheets for Lap Harp, Fairy Forest Lodge Harp and Piano

Calico Critters A Carriage Ride

We had avoided the full size American Girl dolls for years, due to the expense, but when I saw that Elizabeth (the one TT's had been wishing for, for a couple years) was being discontinued, we decided to get it for her this year. Twinkle Toes' little mouth dropped open and she was speechless, until she finally scurried up to hug and thank her Dad & Mom! :-) We also ended up ordering Josefina for Chiquita, and I have never seen her SO excited, we literally had to calm her down. Needless to say, they love their new dolls!

Twinkle Toes mouth dropped open again at the sight of yet another American Girl box. These little boxes contained the "accessories" for each doll. :-)

Chiquita's Gifts:

Josefina Doll, Accessories and Christmas Dress

Josefina Boxed Set With Game

Calico Critters Zach & Sandy Trike Ride

Rose's Gifts:

Corolle Mon Premier Calin Charming Pastel - 12" Doll

Sweets and Treats Tray

Gray Squirrel Puppet

It is so cute watching Rose play with her squirrel, she just loves him!

~ Gifts from Grandpa and Grandma ~

The girls received little tote bags, Felicity and Josefina activity books and mini Josefina and Kirsten dolls!!

Snuggles and Rose received tote bags, a Life of Jesus Coloring Book, St. Joseph Rattle Books : Saints Teach Us and Angels Surround Us, My Golden Children's Bible and My Golden Book of Prayers, and Picture Book of Saints: Saint Joseph Edition: Illustrated Lives of the Saints for Young and Old.

In addition to their new tote bags, the boys were in heaven with all their new books from Grandpa and Grandma, including Saint Dominic: Preacher of the Rosary and Founder of the Dominican Order, Saint Isaac and the Indians, Boy Heroes, The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow, With Pipe, Paddle and Song: A Story of the French-Canadian Voyageurs, Herodotus and the Road to History, Saint Francis Solano, and Downright Dencey!!

I haven't taken a picture yet, but I was super excited with the "Shower of Roses" Afgan from Hubby's parents. They are always so very thoughtful!! And of course Hubby and I love the Saints Calendar and Daily Planner they give us every year.

~ Gifts from Godparents ~

Treats from Snuggles Godparents in Hawaii!

Twinkle Toes' took this picture of her new Holy Card Collection with a Frame for rotating the Cards, and her beautiful Marian stamp from her Godparents!

Captain's Godfather (aka: Uncle Father) sent such thoughtful gifts for everyone. It was so cute when Rose opened up a St. Benedict medal he sent her and then proceeded to slip it down her Daddy's shirt, knowing that is where medals belong!

Between being able to attend Mass twice (at the Vigil and then again at Midnight), coming home to a clean kitchen, stockings filled and all the gifts under the tree (thank you Mary St. Nicholas!), a lovely morning at home, and spending time with my family, we had such a wonderful Christmas!!  I hope you all had a Holy, Joyfilled and Blessed Christmas as well.