A Joyful Christmas Day!

Christmas Day exceeded all expectations that I had this year- it was special, joyful, fun, and filled with so much love and happiness. It was the first time we have been able to stay home all day and just celebrate Christmas.  My family came over in time to see the children's reactions to Santa's gifts (James was insanely excited but Grafton was still waking up...which means her mood was not the brightest!), we cooked a good breakfast and played with all of the toys from Santa.  Scott gave the kids a swing set, and Eric and Pops put it together for them and somehow we hid it from Grafton for a few days!!  They had a blast swinging and sliding outside, checking out their new trains and games inside, and enjoying all the excitement around them.  It was really a magical time for us.

Santa's loot

Toy bags

waking up- why does Momma take a picture 1st thing in the morning?!

waiting for Grafton to wake up so we can see what Santa brought!

The princess is awake!!

Heading downstairs to see what Santa brought

Yay! Toys Galore!

Trying to figure out the golf toy

James loves his sister's scooter!

Can I just sit in the wagon instead of push it?

Having fun with his race cars

Tools!

Of course Grafton loves the race cars too!

Playing with Grafton's appliances

Her first view of the swing set from Uncle Scott!

Yay! She loves her playground!

Balls, balls, balls for the little boy

Opening her toy bag from Santa

Our future singer

Love these cuddle bugs

Trying out Grafton's new racket

Future tennis star?

lounging

Oh another present!

Breakfast conversations...

Loving the slide

sweet and happy girl

Playing in the fort

Hi there kiddos!

How James likes to slide!

Swinging together

She insisted on pushing James in the swing

Happy baby boy

My beauty queen

Daddy even got in on the action!

Christmas Eve

What a wonderful Christmas Eve we had yesterday, filled with pure joy and precious hugs all day long.  The day started with the sound of Grafton's voice on the monitor singing "Frosty the Snowman;" I looked at Eric and said "This is going to be a fantastic day with Grafton waking up singing such sweet Christmas songs!"  And her singing continued as she and James opened two presents in our bed that morning, as we went for a family donut date for breakfast, then headed to DeeDee and Pops' house for lunch and an afternoon of fun.  Grafton sang "Joy to the World" everywhere we went- she just sang, and sang, and sang...and we loved it!  She had so much fun opening presents, and James liked watching her more than opening presents himself!! We had a fantastic dinner with my family, and the kids were spoiled rotten with gift after gift.  It was such a special day for so many reasons, and the excitement and anticipation was just incredible.  After the kids went to sleep, after Santa came and laid out all his presents, I had a moment to reflect on this amazing moment. As ecstatic as my children were over all the presents and fun things we did today, that doesn't even begin to compare to the anticipation and joy that was felt upon the birth of Jesus Christ.  Oh to be one of those shephards, or one of the wise men, who got to experience first hand the birth of our Savior- what a glorious time that would be! And we get to feel that same joy each time we hear the Christmas story, each time we take a moment to stop and remember what a loving God we have that he would send his precious lamb to us, and each time we look forward to meeting our heavenly Father one day.  Glory to God in the Highest!