Christmas Day 2018

Mathew tried to wake us up at 5 am.

He was unsuccessful, but in reality our fate was sealed. Once I've been woken up....its just a matter of time before I get out of bed and face the day. 

Especially if the day is Christmas day! We could here the excited whispers downstairs and we couldn't help but join in. But seriously, look how dark it is outside. It is DARK. 

Anna remembered to put the star on the tree for Advent. That's probably a first. Everyone fights over the privilege and then forgets because their so excited about the presents.

Everly decided that it was much more fun to open each gift with her eyes closed.

That way, she experiences the full effect of the surprise all at once.

Anna received her harmonica! She's asked for one for years. Except for this year! It was the perfect surprise!

Laney was the first to unwrap her Lite Brite.

"What's a Lite Brite?" she said.

Oh....just wait. You'll love it, Laney.  But your feet will not love it and neither will the vacuum.

Megan fanned the pages of her newest piano music. Ah, nothing like the smell of pride and prejudice!

Mathew was so excited to finally receive his video game.

so. excited.

Ethan had a pretty sweet Christmas. He also learned the life long lesson that just because it says "poster", doesn't mean it's an actual poster.

Mark and I both gave each other loads of Cubs gear....but my favorite was watching him upon his Wally's World Moose Mug.  It's not easy to surprise this fella. It would help if we didn't share the same Amazon account, I suppose.


Oh hey! Looks like the sun is finally coming up! Neat.

Aren't the pups so cute in their Christmas sweaters?? I'm sure they just love them!

The rest of our day was spent grazing on stocking treats and breakfast casserole.

Rolling with the homies...

Discovering that Lite Brites are the coolest.

Making our first ever brined turkey. It was UHmazing. Because of salt. Salt is the best.

I may have sampled it's right shoulder. Just a nibble.

Our favorite apple cranberry stuffing recipe.

Oh, did I say OUR favorite? I meant MY favorite. Everyone else hates cranberries and apples and celery and ....stuffing.

More for me!

Our Christmas meal! 

Complete with sparkling cider in the moose mug.

Merry Christmas!