Christmas Day 2014

 Sit on the stairs and let me get a picture before you attack your presents!  They were thrilled.

 Santa was here!  He ate his cookies and drank his milk.  The reindeer ate the carrots too!

Oh, but Cherry is gone.  He went back to the North Pole with Santa.

 We are already missing Cherry, but we also look forward to his return!

On Christmas morning, Grandma Susan and Grandpa Jim come over bright and early, and the kids open presents from Santa, Mom and Dad, and Grandma and Grandpa.  It makes for a very exciting Christmas morning.

 The purple thing Reagan is holding is a balance beam!!!

   

 

Later in the day we went to Grandma's house to eat and spend time with family.  Somehow I got caught up in the event and did not take a single picture while I was there.

It was a very merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve morning, Katelyn and Reagan watched their Portable North Pole videos from Santa.  

 Kate was so excited.  I loved the twinkle in her eye.  It is amazing to see Christmas through the eyes of a child.

  

 Watching Reagan view her message from Santa was a totally different experience.  She was so nervous; a few times she even covered her eyes.  She was so relieved to find out she was on the nice list.

In the afternoon, Papa and Grandma came over to exchange presents.

 

I attempted a picture of Papa and Grandma with the kids.  I got picture after picture of at least one silly face.

 

Later in the day, the kids opened their traditional Christmas Eve pajamas.

Grinch dust and reindeer food was sprinkled on the lawn to keep the Grinch away and attract the reindeer.  I didn't get any pictures because it was pouring outside at the time.

 Kate could not wait to put out cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer.  She did a great job making the cookies extra tasty.

Throughout the evening, we were tracking Santa's whereabouts on NORAD.  When Santa was on his way to Florida, Reagan knew that meant she had to fall asleep!  It wasn't easy; there was so much excitement in the air, but eventually everyone went to sleep to dream of dancing sugar plums (or today's equivalent).