Nothing makes you count your blessings like being snowed in for Christmas. A major blizzard blew into town Christmas Eve and we were so grateful that we had everything we needed for the holiday. Haley and Jake were counting down the minutes, it seemed, until Santa would arrive and we somehow managed to corral them for a Christmas Eve dinner & telling of the nativity story before letting them open their one gift that night. They both knew to expect pajamas but Haley was thrilled to discover that hers was a nightgown to match her Samantha doll, and Jake was excited that he and Alex had matching ones. Once we wrestled them into bed Rob and I had a great time playing Santa - we always go overboard but no one seems to complain.The next morning we listened to Jake get up at 6:30 to use the bathroom, then pause in the
hallway before racing into our room to announce that Santa had filled all the stockings and left them in the hall. This was our first Christmas in this house and it was fun to figure out how to do the "reveal." It was also fun, as always, to watch Haley and Jake and their drastically different reactions to their Santa presents. Jake bounces and shouts and races from toy to toy, while Haley freezes with a huge grin on her face while she takes it all in. These kids are so amazing and we feel so blessed to be able to surprise and delight them; Christmas is certainly 100 times more fun with kids!We spent the entire morning opening gifts (with lots of play-breaks), and the afternoon snacking and playing and reading by the roaring fire as the snow drifts grew outside. The entire town was shut down and we were grateful we hadn't planned any travel, as all the highways and airports were closed. But despite being stranded from friends and far from family, we felt the love from you all and hope that your holiday was just as wonderful!
Woohoo! New pajamas!
Alex was not very good at unwrapping. Good thing he had a big brother and sister to help.
Santa surprised Haley with a bed for her doll Samantha. Painted and decorated and with sheets and a real quilt! Santa was very proud of herself - ahem, himself.
Santa brought ice skates for the whole family, even Samantha!
So Christmas-y and cute!
Laying among the stocking spoils.
Ready for the morning.
Santa brought new sleds for the kids so they braved the blizzard to play with them. The snow drifts were big enough to sled down...it would be a while before we could try out the ice skates at the rink in the nearby park.
