Santa found us!!! As excited as our kids get for Christmas, they also love to sleep so Dan told the kids we would meet downstairs at 8am. So they woke up around 7:30, and patiently waited in the loft area at the top of the stairs, longingly looking at all the gifts below, wondering which ones were theirs. Grandpa Barnette was already downstairs, starting a warm, cozy fire and gave them a hard time, and told them all of the gifts under the tree had HIS name on them. He claimed he couldn't find one single gift for either of them! They, of course, found this hard to believe. Allie had her eye on a large box, and desperately hoped it was for her! I was surprised at their will power and obedience, for waiting patiently until everyone was up and ready. They finally couldn't stand it any longer, and woke us up around 8:15. I was really proud of them for waiting so long... Dan was happy he got to sleep in :-)
They were so thrilled with all their gifts - and every Christmas, we always feel like they got too much... Owen, didn't care about presents or opening his gifts. He wanted to eat breakfast!! He humored us while we opened gifts, but wandering aimlessly around, while sucking on his pacifier.
It was so fun to be in AZ for Christmas morning. I'm so glad my family let us crash their Christmas morning and let us join in with them. The last time we joined them on Christmas morning to open gifts was before Allie was born. My youngest brother is preparing to leave on a mission soon, so it might be the last Christmas, everyone was in town.
Allie received a Castle popup tent and a medievel dress and cape from Santa, a sewing machine, makeup kit, and Xbox game from Mom and Dad, a watch from Drew and a Barbie from Owen.
Drew got a few boxes of Hot Wheels car tracks and a knight costume from Santa, a Buzz Lightyear spaceship, and remote control car, and Xbox game from Mom and Dad, super cool walkie-talkies from Allie, and binoculars from Owen.
Owen also got some car tracks and a 4-lane racking track from Santa, some building blocks and a Tractor ride on toy, and Xbox game from Mom and Dad, pretend food from Allie and a motorcycle from Drew.
Each kid also received a Bell from Santa's sleigh this year (Polar Express reference). Owen enjoyed making us laugh when he crawled into an empty Toy Story box. He is such a ham, and was doing all he could to make us laugh!
After opening presents, we quickly got ready for church, and headed to an hour long church meeting. It was a great way to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas. It's not the gifts, but to remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm grateful he was born, in humble circumstances. I'm so grateful for his life and his example to me. I love him with all my heart and hope to share his love with others.
After opening presents, this is where we found Owen. Pantless, in my suitcase, with his beloved Ipod....
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