Christmas Day

We had awesome day today. There was no fighting or arguing we all just got along and enjoyed each other. The girls were not pounding down our bedroom door this morning, it was kind of nice. We had decided that we would not open gifts before church and they really didn't mind. Ashley was the first one up and the only reason I knew was because I heard her in the living room with her stocking. I reminded her that she needed to wait till everyone else was up. Since she could see part of what was inside, she carried it around till it was time. Once they were all up they opened their stockings Allison didn't think that it was funny that she got some coal. Since the girls were so great about our decision to wait to open gifts, I got them one that they could open before church. Madison knew right away what it was going to be. Church cloths. I think they all look so cute. The morning went so smoothly and I got exactly what I wanted. A calm smooth Sunday morning. It was so nice not to have the normal stress of Sunday mornings. The girls were awesome and helped me out so that I could stay relaxed before speaking at church.

After church the girls were all ready to open gifts. Allison was Santa this year and handed the presents out. She says that this is the first time that she has been able to do it but I am not sure on that one. Ashley opened the first gift and she could not have been any happier. All month she has been telling everyone that she was going to get a horse for her Liliana doll. I would ask her how she knew and she would tell me that she ask Santa for it. She would have been heart broken if there wouldn't have been one. All morning before church the girls tried to guess what each gift was so they all knew which ones they wanted to open first. Allison was next and she opened
a camera. She was so happy. I do not know how many times I have heard today."I got a camera, a real camera." I love seeing the joy in her face. The first gift Madison opened was a
Kindle. She has wanted one for several month. When she didn't get one for her birthday earlier this month, she was really hoping to get one for Christmas. We continued to open gifts and the girls had a great time. They received a lot of what they ask for but there were still some things that didn't make the cut. I didn't hear once any sort of bad attitude but instead gratitude. The girls gave each other hugs voluntarily as they opened each others gifts to each other. There was such a great spirit in the house the whole day. Kevin got his favorite gift.
I do not remember when Allison started giving Kevin this frog but it sure brings a good laugh every time that he unwraps it.
We also had a great time sharing our day with Nana and Grandpa. I am grateful that we were able to share these memories with them, even with Grandpa and his hew career in modeling.

Once the gifts were all open, the girls opened their stuff and played nicely while I got dinner ready. We had a lovely dinner before we headed to Nana and Grandpa's hotel so the girls could swim.
The girls had a great time swimming and getting all their extra energy out. Or at least I hope they did for Louise's sake because they are staying the night with her at the hotel. Today was a wonderful day. I am thankful for this Christmas season and to opportunity that we have to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas