Christmas present

This year Brooke's cousin, Gavin gave her a present that all the kids enjoyed. Brooke wanted to take it to Las Vegas with us, since she didn't have time to build it before we left. Gavin's dad found this building set at a Japanese store. It is very unique in the way the pieces snap together.

Brooke built smaller items and then Perry took the job of building "bigger" items.

Libby created this little "basket" as she calls it. The kids had built carrots and strawberries (see below) and then put them inside.

This building set was a real hit!

Christmas at our house

Caution: Long post Reminder: Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Our family was very blessed this Christmas. Several of our grandparents have gone in together to buy us passes to Disneyland this year. We are all very excited! Also, Santa was truly inspired this year. Even though a Zhu Zhu hamster city could not be found in any store...he brought it to us. I believe we have 7 of these little battery operated hamsters now. Santa also brought the Wii (video game system) to a house that is not heavy into electronics...but will try to be Modern.

Still love opening our stockings to see what Santa put inside. Santa brought everybody a new Hallmark ornament. We wrote on them so we can remember what year we received them. Some of them play music and some even move!

Grandma and Grandpa Ludloff came over for a short visit. They appreciated their gifts that the kids thoughtfully purchased. If you know me, you know I couldn't do what I do without the love and daily support of my parents. They are truly a daily gift.

Libby opened up a cool scientific gift from her cousin Ben. Brooke likes her Japanese building set from cousin Gavin and Sage loves her challenging game from cousin Nathan. She is taking it on our car trip tomorrow. We played Monopoly City for the first time yesterday...it is much more involved than the original (thanks to Lucindos). Staci's biological father also came over for breakfast. He not only opened presents but he helped blow and sweep and rake all the leaves in our yard. We were sweating and very satisfied in the end.

Brooke is showing what she received from Perry. The kids each spent their own money to buy presents for each family member. The school holiday shop really helps their funds go a long way.

Perry is showing off his gift from the Sacramento cousins.

Some years there just seems to be those toys that everybody wants. Chixos...little tiny balls of #?!$^%&^&. You really need some great fine motor strength to keep those things in place. Nana was getting some for Sage, so Brooke and Libby needed some as well. You spray them with water and hope they stay together or you spray them again. Don't even get me started about them rolling away on the ground or the table getting bumped. You do it because they LOVE them :)

Libby and Perry were able to spend Christmas Eve with their biological grandparents and mother. They have a family tradition of going to In-N-Out for dinner. I know most of us are jealous, but you could always adopt the tradition. They spent the night with their mom, so Santa visited them in 2 places...what a swell guy! Libby and Perry were showered with gifts that are very practical. Perry received a digital camera among other things. Libby received many new outfits and a cute pink robe.

Merry Christmas!

Brooke building with Grandpa Reynolds. The toy is a motorized drill with easy screws for her to take apart and rebuild again and again.

Perry building with his new erector set.

Libby opening a present from Grandma Suzette and Ed. The present included "toe socks" that her toes are snugly sleeping in tonight. Libby says she loves to be warm.

Sage opening presents, she already wore one of the blouses and necklaces tonight!

Perry plugged in to his new MP3 and look at his stack of gifts!

Grandpa Reynolds checking out a CD Sage gave to him.

Staci showing off her new Christmas tree Sage gave to her. Can I just put this out next year?

All the kids were caught building.






Great idea we clued in on from the Astle family. They let the kids open presents given to each other as a family night. This shortened the Christmas morning and helped them appreciate things a little more. We did it! We think we will keep this tradition. The kids were so sweet in their thoughtfulness for others.

Opening stockings and pure chaos.

This year Lee and I had a "silent night" on Christmas Eve. All of the kids were with their other biological parents. That allowed us to have a nice dinner and game night with my parents. We started Christmas day at 11 (are you jealous?) with a nice brunch and then a nice dinner at my moms at 4. Thankfully Brooke took a nice nap, so all went well. Everyone is happy with their gifts they received and gave. Mostly, we are so grateful for the spirit of Christmas and the things the season reminds us of.