Verbally Challenged

like…one month ago.

Yeah, I’m late with the photos. Believe it or not I JUST got around to editing these.

So Christmas morning wouldn’t you know, everyone decided to sleep in. So I had plenty of time to take this photo:

the loot. The reason why my house is bursting at the seams. But also the cause of a whole lot of smiles and laughter on Christmas morning.

And then we woke the kids up. Yep you heard that right we had to WAKE the kids up.

ON CHRISTMAS!

And the chaos began. I snapped photos here and there. Pulled wrapping paper out of the baby’s mouth. Cursed the toy companies for using 8000 twisty ties on their boxed toys. Made lots of piles. And enjoyed my family.

You’ll have to take my word for it.

After some breakfast and play time we got dressed and ready to head off to my parents house. And wouldn’t you know, I forgot about my own tradition – taking a family picture in front of the Christmas tree. That’s always an experience in itself involving the camera timer, tripod, praying…and maybe a decent picture.

This year we got this one, at my parents’ house in front of THEIR tree:

I promise you that we do really like each other. I wish that we were all squished together but this will do! And THANK YOU to my sister who did a wonderful job pushing the button (see I knew you could do it)!!!

And later in the evening we had a visit from a very special person…the great big man in red.

He was sooooooo tired the poor guy!

But he still made the kiddos happy:

and a little nervous if you’re this guy.

Or scared if you’re this guy:

Or flat out terrified if you’re this gal:

She heard Santa’s bells and flipped out! Oh the tears. Fortunately my gram offered to stay with her the whole time. She even had to go and retrieve the gift from Santa with her. Talk about a dliemma – gift and Santa or no gift and no Santa!

Are you seeing a trend with my kids? They don’t dig Mr. Claus up close and personal. They welcome the whole “he comes while you’re sleeping” bit.

My nephews on the other hand:

No problem!

I call this the grab and go!

But Santa wasn’t only for the kiddos!

Some of the adults had fun too!

We LOVE Santa and are so thankful for him celebrating with us every Christmas!