The kids were merciful and let us sleep 'til a reasonable hour Christmas morning. I'm not sure when Sis and Buddy got up, but they waited quietly in the basement until Baby Boy sounded the alarm. Then there was a stampede of little feet as they scrambled to greet us and begin the morning's festivities.
It always amazes me how so many months of shopping, planning and wrapping culminate in a mere twenty minute flurry of gift opening. I've always wished that we could freeze time and savor that excitement a little longer.
Sis and Buddy insisted that Baby Boy open his presents first. They helped him along and patiently interacted with him as he enjoyed each one. As for Baby, he would have just as soon been left alone with his first gift - a dollar store car chosen by Buddy.
Once the presents were all opened, we threw on some coats and traveled over the river and through the woods (literally!) to Grandma's house. She had a scrumptious hot breakfast waiting for us. My brothers and sister in law were there as well. Buddy is in awe of his Uncle Matt (the police officer) and was eager to show off his new toy gun and handcuffs. Grandma delighted the kids with some pretty amazing gifts (including moon shoes for Sis and remote controlled bumper cars for the boys). The trickiest part was getting the grownups to share.
After a quiet afternoon of naps and playtime, we headed out to the kids' favorite restaurant - the Red Apple Buffet. This is a dinner tradition we started a while back and which we look forward to every year. The kids are amazed by the concept of the buffet and filled/emptied their plates with zeal. I for one love the fact that I can satisfy all of my pregnancy cravings without having to lift a finger. (Who ever said that crab legs and chocolate ice cream don't make an excellent duo?).
Baby Boy put in his request for Christmas music on the way home. As we drove down Forest Lane, we were flooded with memories of last Christmas and our longing to be settled in our own house. We made so many trips down our road to enjoy the Christmas lights and to imagine living in such a peaceful and cozy neighborhood. This home has been all we dreamed it would be.
After we arrived home and put some logs on the fire, we snuggled up in our jammies and watched "Ratatouille," a gift we'd surprised the kids with.
Satisfied with a full day of fun and scrumptious food, the gifts drifted off to sleep. We certainly couldn't have asked for a more delightful Christmas! We are so thankful to God for all of His provision and for the good gifts he has given us.
No comments:
Post a Comment