Christmas Day 2013

The kids woke up at 7:30, just like clockwork. The excitement was evident in the first sentence. We had to coax them into our room. They wanted to go downstairs and explored. I wanted the traditional video of them coming down the stairs. But I think they had already seen, At least I Know Ellie had.

Everyone got up rather quickly, I managed to snap a photo of the kids with their baby sister before heading down the stairs. Even with the excitement of Christmas morning, they were willing to sit down and snuggle Clair. They love that girl so much!

Excitement was evident. Ellie was a bit more bossy and into it and she'd ever been. Instantly demanding to open presents, and wanting others to open them too. I was proud of the fact that she did want to give her presents as much as she wanted to open presents. She made sure each of us got a present within the first five minutes. I eventually had to ask her to chill out a few times.

It was interesting having a crawling child at Christmas. This has never happened to me. Clair really wanted to be in the middle of everything. I don't think she actually got to eat any of the paper, but, it was close at many times. Because of this fact, we didn't do as much playing in the wrapping paper as normal. But I still managed to get a picture of the kids amongst the trash on the floor at one of our midway breaks.

The morning and the present went on through to lunch. It was a little bit quicker pace than normal, but still breaks to play and explore presents. Max was just like Ellie was at his age. He would open something exciting, and really with all his heart want to stop and play with that item. I love when the kids are at that stage. It's hard when you have an older one who has outgrown that stage and a young one who is still in it. I would rather go with the younger ones perspective and take it slow, we tried. 

After lunch, things got more hectic as we prepared to have the whole family over for the evening. It's nice posting, but also stressful. I think everyone had a nice day though. I know mom was exhausted at the end of the day.

When I was putting Max and Elly to bed, they said they were sad Christmas was over. I suggested that it did not have to be overcome we could have Christmas again tomorrow. And so when they woke up on the 26, Ellie quickly reminded me, "Mama, remember today is Christmas too." :)

That's my girl!