We had a wonderful Christmas. A pretty close to perfect Christmas. Santa was very generous with us.
The kids woke up at about 5:45 a.m. (which is actually sleeping in for Jalen). We have a tradition that we did in my family when I was growing up. We kneel together as a family and offer a prayer before we go down to open the presents. The kids could barely contain their excitement.
They were overwhelmed at what they found under the tree. It took about an hour just to go through all the stockings and unwrapped presents from Santa.
Then we moved on to the wrapped gifts. We open them one at a time, with each child waiting for the other to open their present. It makes Christmas last longer and helps us appreciate each gift.
Jalen spent the morning pretty much looking like this.
He got everything he wanted, especially his Captain America costume.
Baylie never really wants anything specific and so it's hard to know what to get her. This year we focused more on clothes and crafts because she doesn't usually care much for toys. She said it was "much better than last year." Santa brought her this really awesome fairy that actually flies. It is so cool.
This is what it looked like after the opening.
The most surprising gift was one given to me and David. Some anonymous person gave us an iPad mini! Like Baylie, as a child, I can't remember ever really wanting a present. I always liked whatever I got and never was crazy for any one thing. I honestly can't remember the last time I ever was so surprised over a gift that I felt giddy. The iPad was so completely unexpected and such a wonderful gift that I felt like a kid opening it. I can't believe the generosity of the person who not only gave us the mini, but also a case for it and a $50 gift card. We don't know who it was, but we know it was from our ward, maybe even from several people in our ward. I have never known such kind and generous people. I would love it if David found a job here and we could just stay here forever. I know that here people love my children, they look out for me and my family, they are family. My heart is filled with love.
Of course, the iPad mini has been taken over by the kids. Heck - we could probably give back all their other presents. (Not really, I suggested that and they refused.)
I have to confess that my favorite thing about the iPad is that now I have a good camera again! It's so much better than the pictures I take with my phone.
It was a beautiful, lazy day. It's been a wonderful month. I love my family. I love my Savior. I love my life.
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