Merry Christmas!!

How can Christmas ever be boring with little ones around?! We had the best Christmas - tons of fun and very relaxed. The festivities started with a Christmas Eve church service at our church downtown. As to be expected, Jack lasted all of 15 minutes before he got restless and had to be taken out. Linc welcomed the opportunity to get out of the service! Riley loved every minute, trying to sing all of the songs and even dancing in the aisle. Thanks goodness it was the children's service, so such behavior was tolerated (and enjoyed!). I had to promise her that next year she could be up at the front singing with everyone, so needless to say I have already put a call in to get her into the Cherub Choir. After church we went to dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's with the Ritchy clan and cousin Lindsey. After a YUMMY dinner and the excitement of opening ONE present, we ventured home to get ready for the big morning. Riley put out cookies and milk for Santa and made sure I wrote his note exactly as she said it. I think her favorite part was putting out the reindeer treats and then seeing what messy eaters they are ;) Out night was complete with a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (my copy from when I was little) and then the elves had to get to work! Santa was very kind this year, bringing everything that was asked for! We had a great morning at our house opening gifts and then it was off to Grandma and Grandpa's again for round 2. A whirlwind of presents and a delicious brunch left us all exhausted. Riley's highlights were a new kitchen, a Bitty Baby and stroller, a toy violin, art supplies, a guitar, some games, a karaoke system that projects you on TV and many other exciting items. Jack got all the "boy" toys he could hope for - tons of cars and trucks, and his favorite - the Peek-a-Blocks Incrediblock. We think he made out better than anyone! It also helped that Christmas day was about 65 degrees, so the kids were able to run off some of their energy outside. Now it is a matter of catching up on sleep, finding a place for all the toys, and adjusting to the fact we can't listen to Christmas music on the radio anymore. I'm not sure who is going to be more disappointed - Riley or mommy?! It was a great Christmas filled with lots of love and laughter, and we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season!