Christmas 2009 Recap!

We had an amazing Christmas this year! The kids are at such fun ages when it comes to everything Christmas. Well almost everything Christmas. Christmas Eve should have been great. Should have being the operative word there... You know how sometimes you have days that your kids are just plain naughty, no matter what events are happening or how much threatening or bribery is going on? Well that was Christmas Eve in a nutshell for me! The kids fought, screamed and whined all day long! We met up with York and Jenny and their girls, and my mom and Dave for lunch at the Red Robin. I honestly shouldn't have taken the kids with the mood I was in! I spent half the lunch out in the car with London because she was being naughty. She took a nap on the way home and woke up a little better. Beck was in his room for over 4 hours because he was trying his best to tell us that he didn't need a nap. He eventually fell asleep and all was well in our house again! Did I mention that the Pipster started being fussy on Christmas Eve, too? She wasn't sleeping or eating well. She was up screaming for a long time Christmas Eve and again on Christmas night, so Saturday I took her into the pediatrician and lo and behold, she has ANOTHER ear infection! That makes 3 in the past 5 or so weeks! Super fun for all... Christmas Eve was spent with the Cooper family at York and Jenny's house. We had yummy food and had a blast hanging out with aunts, uncles and cousins. Then home to get ready for the big night! (I'm finally talking to my kids at this point...)

The kids waiting for us to tell them that's it's time to enter the living room! How excited are they!?!

Christmas morning was EARLY! Our kids are usually in bed by 8:00 and are up around 8:00am or a little later. Matter had to work, which was super lame, so his family came up to our house for Christmas morning so that we could eat breakfast and open gifts before he had to leave at 9:30. His family was trying to be up at our house around 7:30, so we had to wake the kiddos up around 7:00 so that we could do our family Christmas before everyone arrived. My kids were excited, but so tired! Beck nearly fell asleep again on the stairs as Matt and I went into the living room to get the cameras ready! They freaked out when they saw what Santa left them! They loved the "Seater-Totter" as the kids call it, the Leapsters, games, and for Londy, the "as seen on tv" Touch and Brush toothpaste dispenser. Stockings were so fun, and the kids were thrilled with everything! Matt and I are big on stockings too, and loved opening ours to see what was inside! We took turns all opening presents. Matt surprised me with a new Kitchen Aid mixer, clothes, new running shoes, a food processer, and other fun things! I surprised him with a fusbol table, clothes, shoes, etc. The kids were spoiled rotten, but they constantly were thanking us. So cute! Matt's family came up and we opened gifts and then ate a quickish breakfast before Matt had to leave. Matt's mom got the kids the cutest outfits, Melissa spoiled the kiddos with toys and clothes, and the kids loved playing with their cousins! It was a great morning!!!

The Santa gifts; pre kids!

Matt and his stocking!

The kiddos on the teeter totter!

Beck has got to be the most animated kid when it comes to opening clothes! He was so excited for everything!

I thought this shirt was hilarious! We'll see if he'll wear it...

Matt's side of the fam!

Pippi and Papa Donald. She was super thrilled with her glow worm and sippy cup! Can't you tell???

This is Piper's best trick! Or maybe it's Matt's best trick! Either way, "Pump Em Up's" are a great trick! Isn't she darling and so big?

We went to my mom's that evening for an awesome dinner and to open gifts. Again, we were competely spoiled! My mom goes way overboard for Christmas! She always gets the funnest stocking stuffers (yes, I am 30 and still get a stocking. I get an easter basket too. I LOVE it!!!) and shops all year long for the perfect gifts for everyone! It was so fun watching everyone open their presents! There are 7 grandkids now on my side (up 3 from last year) so it was pure craziness and fun! We had some cousins stop by and we spent the rest of the evening chatting, playing, and having a great time!

My house is still in shambles, despite several attempts to clean up the remnants of Christmas morning! The kids have played non-stop with new toys, and are loving everything they received. We've had a blast reading new books, doing art projects, trying on clothes, dodging Beck's new dart gun, and listening to Londy sing the theme from Enchanted while dancing with her new life sized doll. It has truly been a great holiday season!Beck in his new get up from Grandma Jilly!

Cammers and Londy

Pip opening a present with help from Daddy

The girls and their new fishing poles from Grandma and Grandpa Payne

My mom and Dave got Beckett an Indiana Jones whip that sings the theme song from the movie and makes whipping noises. They also got him a hat to complete the ensemble. It was a hit!