Christmas Part II

Christmas Day was great! The kids, Memere and Pepere, and MJ and I had a blast opening presents, eating all kind of special treats, and enjoying the day.

We went to Mass on Christmas Eve, and CC was thrilled to altar serve for her first major holiday Mass. We came home and relaxed the rest of the evening, playing games and gearing up for the big day. The kids were so excited about their upcoming bonanza that they put themselves to bed an hour early, and even forgot to leave cookies for Santa! (Don't worry -- I did.)

They were up at 4:30, but as ordered, didn't come out of their rooms until 6:30. I was touched that they all ran into our bedroom and gave me big Christmas hugs before stampeding downstairs. But then they tore into their gifts.

MJ and I gave them each a hoverboard. Unfortunately Little Man's appears to be defective, which was incredibly frustrating. But a new one is on its way, and the girls are certainly putting theirs to good use in the meantime. They even created an elaborate "hover track" out of chalk on the driveway and street.

CC tried to give Pepere a lesson, which ended promptly after he fell and banged up his elbow. Fortunately he wasn't badly hurt!

Little Man got a batting trainer from Memere and Pepere, and it's unclear who loves it more: Little Man or MJ. Little Man was also thrilled with his Treasure X figures, his microscope, and the laser tag set. The girls had a blast with science kits, art sets, and Legos.

Later in the afternoon, Grandma and Grandpa came over, and our day was complete: the kids were so excited to show off all their new toys and games, and give and get Christmas hugs. We Facetimed with Grandma Jean to demonstrate all the kids' new toys, and ended the day with a delicious dinner Memere and I made. What a wonderful day!

(Amber agrees. She managed to steal all the large chocolate bars out of my stocking.)