Christmas 2008!

Christmas keeps getting better and better . . . last year it took us all day to open presents because Garrett wanted to play with everything he opened for ages. This year, he wanted to open EVERYTHING and played with it for a while. He was so excited by the entire thing. He opened everyone's presents. Pardon the pull-up and Mr. No-Pants. Nothing was keeping him from getting under that tree ASAP! He had been so patient though--he had been opening one present since the 12th (Thanks to my mom and her great 12 days of Christmas idea!), so that helped him a lot, I think.

He was so intent on his "Compuger," he couldn't wait for it to come out of the box.

Shake N Go Lightening McQueen = a big hit!

Reading his new Thomas book
(Note Daddy removing another gift from the packaging. This is all we did while Garrett opened presents!)

Summer and one of her dollies . . .

A Christmas kiss for Sister

Driving the Hotwheels Santa brought on his new rug

Pretty girl's first Christmas

Handyman Garrett has his own tool bench now!

We had a very nice relaxing day, and then headed over to the Shumans for dinner . . . this has become a Holiday tradition since we got to know them 2 years ago at our very first POA Party. We had such a blast, as always!

The spread

The babies who are no longer babies: Logan and Gracie

Xander swiping M&Ms with a pathetic look (keep in mind he skipped dinner to play)

Garrett among the mess he, X and the other kiddos created.

As 2008 winds down, we hope that everyone has had a wonderful and joyous holiday season.

Our best present is our kids--we chose this for our Christmas cards: "Count your blessings, count them one by one. Count your blessings, and see what God has done." God has truly, truly blessed us, with love, health, family, friends and two wonderful kids.

"And the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord."

So belated Merry Christmas from our house to yours!