Thursday, December 25, 2008

Almost a White Christmas

Yes, I'll admit, this is a far cry from a "White Christmas", but it's the closest we've ever come since living in this house (and perhaps any house since we've been married). I appreciated the light dusting of snow God blessed us with on Christmas morning.
Here's the annual picture of what got left out for Santa the night before....

John, using me to set up the camera to capture the shot of the kids coming out to see all the presents....

The sleepy-eyed kiddos, being "released" from our room to go see the Christmas tree...

Do you think they're excited?

Yes, that stocking for Sydney says, "Good Dog". Do you like that tongue hanging out?

Our little elves, getting ready to disburse gifts...

Sydney with her new bed and her new bone - in bliss....

No, Mikayla, don't worry about the paper...

John, with his Starbucks gift card assortment-

Brayden's favorite present of the morning-

Following the presents, we each lit an Advent candle, expressing what God has been doing in their lives and what we're thankful for....

After that, we all jointly lit the center candle and sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus

Finally, before heading to Mom and Dad's, we had a scrumptious breakfast - complete with the traditional "Almost Orange Julius"

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really like the Advent candle tradition - that's one I may have to try, to put the focus back where it should be for a little bit. Love the pic of Brayden with tags hanging off his jersey - but is that an OSU shirt?? I'm confused...just when I was beginning to think you guys own stock in The Duck Store!

StephieAnne said...

Heather, I can see why you'd be confused.... Brayden LOVES to wear jerseys 24-7, so when Kohls had a killer deal on them, we stocked up. We picked them out based on people he liked, that one is Brady Quinn's jersey who plays for the Browns. I would say 90% of Brayden's presents had something to do with football....

Thanks for the comments on the Advent candle lighting, we've done "something" in the past, but I think this is the year we finally figured out the "tradition" we want to stick with.

Beverly said...

Look how great you look on Christmas morning!! Why isn't your hair all over the place??? haha

I'm enjoying your whole celebration with you!