Christmas Day

This year was very special for me.  Since the kids are older their sweet personalities are starting to show through.  We told the kids that we weren't going to have presents for them under the tree this year.  That instead they would get their stalking stuffers and we would be giving more this year.  So they got to pick out a toy to give to a needy family and they knew that we were gifting extra to our Compassion family.

But the best part was the kids making their own presents for Neil and me and for each other.  It was priceless.  I love that they can do this and that their hearts are so tender.  Very special for me.

In the morning the kids got me up.  We went to their stalkings by the fireplace.  Neil read us the Christmas story and we talked about it a little bit.  Then we took our stalkings into the other room to open everything up.  The kids were just as excited to give us their gifts as they were to open their own.  So endearing to me.

Sweet notes from Haven

Up close

Opening Stockings

Opening Stockings

 Then we went over to Neils parent for our traditional present opening extravaganza and holiday meal.  This is always a fun time.  The exclamations the kids made were so entertaining.  It was a great time.

At Gigis 

At Gigis

 Later that day my parents came over and my sis and her fam.  We also decorated cookies.  Yum!!

It was a great day!!