So Many Celebrations...Christmas Day

Our Christmas Day was a busy one. First we went to church at 9:00 and then headed over to Kyle and Holli's to watch Gabi open her presents. Such a joy to watch children and their wonderment of Santa and his filling their wishes. This is Gabi opening an outfit for her American Girl doll, Ruthie. After my mom died, I gave each family (Kim, Emma, Maren, and Gabi a Ruthie doll...and yes, I have one for myself, too).

Gabi opening a present from her mom and dad.
She is so grateful for everything she receives.

More excitement as she receives a present from Kyle and
Holli that she really, really wanted.

Gabi loved helping give presents to each other.
Here she is giving Holli a present that was from Gabi.

And then, there are other big kids who like to get

presents also. This is Kyle's toy for the year

Gabi opening the gift she had asked Santa for.

And he brought her exactly what she had asked him for.

Her gift...a Kanani doll from American Girl, the doll from Hawaii.

After we spent the morning with Kyle, Holli and Gabi and partook of some great cinnamon rolls baked by Kyle, we headed over to Maren and Ryan's to see what Braydon and Isabella received for Christmas.

Mommy and Daddy gave Braydon an Xbox 360

Kinnect which he had been wanting for so long.

Isabella loves her Minnie Mouse doll. I love hearing her

say "Minnie Mouse". So cute to listen to.

Two great minds at work putting together the kitchen

that Isabella received from Santa.

You have to watch these videos of Eric and Maren putting together the kitchen. Maren put it together once and she ended up with four screws that weren't used...uh-oh.

What is wrong with this picture? Maren is putting together the kitchen and Ryan is in their real kitchen cooking us lunch

.
Taking it apart and putting it back together.

While Eric and Maren were busy putting the kitchen together,

Braydon and Isabella decided to dish up some scrumptious
food while waiting for the kitchen.

Watch the big yawn from Isabella

The day has already been too long for Isabella. Time to chill.

In the evening, we headed over to Shannon's sister's house to have dinner with our children, grandchildren, and her sister's family. There was so much food our bellies were as full as Santa's after he eats all of those cookies on Christmas Eve.

Meigan and Chad having a good laugh
(yes he is a Texans fan)

Syd and Maren...all smiles

For two people who have an empty nest, we were so busy on Christmas Day. We were the first ones to leave after dinner because we were wiped out from so much visiting. We all shared a wonderful Christmas together and are now looking forward to a Happy New Year.