Bruce says he was born on Christmas Day so he wouldn't forget when his birthday is. Or maybe it is so we can eat a lot starting with breakfast. This year breakfast was simple -- baked french toast, fruit, and cheese rolls. Grandpa had seconds, which means a lot to me.
There are way too many pictures, and I am way too tired from all the preparations (plus two very intense twelve-hour shifts on Christmas day and the day after) to really think too hard about this post. Sorry for the overload, family and friends.
Stockings first: earrings, Fun Fusion, chocolate, and of course an orange!
Little girl and the cute jingle bell necklace she made in school
Legos before breakfast, always!
Yes, goofball... we're singing for you!
Love Maya's expression
I'm in love with the photo above. I love capturing action.
The boy found the well-hidden pickle ornament. Tradition says he gets to open the first gift.
Grammy Bennie: I thought you would like to see a double dose of Maya wearing her new "hat". She kept it on for the rest of the morning.
"While you people talk [a lot] I am assembling my toy that was sent all the way from California"
Another tradition - the calendar for Grandparents.
Maya gives Bruce a magnifying glass the got at the Santa Shop in school.
Showing mommy his favorite Christmas gift this year. He's been creating things and carrying the set around even in the car. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!
One thousand pages? Cool!
Playing a Christmas song for Grandma and Grandpa
Fast forward to our Christmas dinner, which marks the end of this month full of anticipation and celebrations. Not all things I had planned went smoothly (should I have taken a picture of a frazzled momma going to three grocery stores before ten in the morning?), but again we were left with a warm feeling in our hearts -- a feeling of enjoying one more season of traditions and togetherness.