Christmas Day happiness

Christmas Day is worthy of more than just a few photos.  So here goes...

We thought single shot nerf pistols might be a bit of fun.... and while I was ordering 5 Matt decided 6 was a better number :)  These battles get pretty intense.  Usually the oldest three vie against Matt, the little two tend to be on Dad's team but are frequently lured into joining the big sibs too.  Split allegiances, those little guys :)

I love the Christmas morning experience - the whole day really!

These girls are gift-givers extraordinaire!  In Lydia's left hand is a cookbook Julianna wrote for her.  It's called "Cookbook for New Cooks" and it starts "Dear Lydia, The first thing is you have to know how to use measuring cups.  Like teaspoons, tablespoons and cups.  It is very easy.  After that you are pretty golden."

It's riddled with spelling and grammar errors, but the whole thing is just so Julianna... i love it.

Watching Luke was pure entertainment.  He had a great morning!

All pink and purple - new pajamas, new tennis shoes, new watch!!

Isaac is a lego lover.

Plenty of patience and hard work and ....

His little brother is becoming quite the little lego-er himself :)

When he needs help the big sisters are quick to jump in.

Actually, the whole family tends to Lego :)

though Luke is more successful with the duplos (which are still a favorite with all the boys).

New scooters for everyone!  So fun to see them enjoy these - such great fun for the kids and our complex is perfect scooter-territory.

Quite the little lady, and she got so many fun craft supplies!

A couch full of love!

A backpack is a sure-win for your favorite toddler/preschooler.  Luke has been using an old cast-off and is thrilled to have "his own".  Many happy hours of zipper-ing ahead for this little man!

And my favorite way to spend a Christmas Day afternoon.... nose in a book!

I jumped in and read a few of the kids' new titles too.  As a child I never doubted there would be a solid collection of new reading material under the tree - gonna teach my kiddos the same great lesson.

We hosted friends for dinner (oops, no pics) but they did help us take a family picture in front of the tree.

12 Christmases with this man as my husband.  They get better every year!

Much love and joy!  What a sweet day of celebrating!