Christmas Eve and Morning 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas again this year. Every year I realize how blessed I am to have a great husband and kids. And how much I enjoy our traditions and being able to spend time together. We are so fortunate and I am thankful to Andy for how hard he works to make my life easier.

(Somehow I always manage to get the pictures in backward order. So if you want to start with Chirstmas Eve, you should go to the bottom and work your way up.)

Peyton with his loot. He didn't want to stay standing by it very long. He was more excited about everyone else's presents than his own. Santa had a hard time shopping for Peyton. He already had all of the presents ready by the time Peyton decided he liked trains so much. But trust me, the kid is not hurting for something to play with!!!

Stockton's loot was mostly Legos and Star Wars Action Figures and Airplanes. He also got some GI Joes that his dad was pretty excited about, some army guys, two nerf guns, and a spy watch. He was thrilled. I am not so sure about all the little toy parts all over the floor.


Abby was also thrilled with everything she got. She really wanted dolls, a hair salon table, a pet care kit, and a polly pocket roller coaster. She got everything on her list with one small compromise on the pet care table. She is having fun playing pollys and princesses and doing Aunt Kristin's hair.

We did have some small tiffs when Peyton would not leave the polly coaster alone. He really liked turning the knob and making the train car climb the track. Abby did not like him messing with her new toy!

Abby trying out her new toy blowdryer.

Stock showing his new Beatboxer hat. He wants to be a beatboxer when he grows up. He has not stopped wearing it since he got it.

It took Peyton a few minutes to get going, but he loved opening the presents. He practiced quite a bit on all of his cousins presents from us the day before. (Which all had to be re-wrapped) And he moved on to mine when he had all his own opened on Christmas Morining.

Getting the hang of things.

Pretty excited about her hair stuff.

Stockton opening his present from Abby. We let them go to the dollar store and pick out presents for each other. He was pretty sure he knew what this was before he even opened it.

Give these boys a sword or gun and they are loving life.

Abby and Alydia were excited about their mermaid dolls that looked just like them.

One of the Haskell Christmas Eve traditions is to open all our gifts to each other after Grandpa reads the Christmas story from the scriptures. Doing this has worked out pretty well. The kids (and adults) get to open a few things and it takes the edge off the excitement so that everyone can sleep faster and better.

Since Grandma and Grandpa Haskell were in Boston this year, we made them stay up late and Grandpa read us the story over speaker phone. Then the kids sang a few Christmas songs to them. The kids all thought this was cool.

Thanks to all our family and friends for making this a great Christmas and for all of your generous gifts to our family!