Christmas

I’ve always enjoyed Christmas, but I was really excited about this year. For the first time, Hadley had an understanding of Christmas, Santa, and presents. We also had Malia this year, and even though I knew she wouldn’t understand the holiday, it is always fun celebrating firsts.


We started our celebration with Christmas Eve lunch with some great friends. It was wonderful sharing a meal, good conversation, and play time for Hadley and her friends. It is our tradition to open one present on Christmas Eve. Hadley opened her Barbie or Darbie as she insists on calling her. Malia and I opened our presents and Gideon opened his present from Hadley.

Playing with "Darbie"

I took Hadley shopping for a gift for Gideon. She knew immediately that she wanted to get him a movie, but she wanted to get him a movie that she liked. Finally, I was able to convince her to get a movie that he would like. Even after explaining to her that it was a secret, she came home and told Gideon that we got him a movie.

After opening presents, we set out cookies and milk for Santa. Hadley tried to convince me to let her eat one of Santa’s cookies. We finally settled on her own cookie and to leave the others for Santa.

For Santa

The next morning we started with stockings and then proceeded to the other gifts. Malia napped through opening most of the presents, but she enjoyed chewing on the wrapping paper while she was awake.

Searching her Stocking

Yummy

Still enjoying the paper

Since Malia was napping, Hadley got to open both her and Malia’s presents. She also helped Mom and Dad open our presents too. Hadley loved all of her presents, but some more than others. Not surprisingly, she loved her train set and table, camera, and guitar. Others that were a huge hit were her chap stick, dinosaur flashlight, and toothbrush.

Guitar from Uncle Eric and Aunt Melissa

Chef's Hat and Apron from Aunt Suzanne, Uncle Chuck, and Keagan

Trying out her pink camera

Deep in concentration

I definitely went overboard shopping for the girls this year, but they are only little once. We are still trying to figure out where we are going to put all of the toys, but I wouldn’t trade this Christmas for anything and am so excited for next year.