Highlights of a Lovely Day...

1. My kids woke on their own this year (except the teenager!) I often have to wake them up on Christmas morning! But they were awake by 6:30 so we could read The Christmas Story before getting up to see what Santa brought!


2. Having my mom and my brother here when the kids got up (and for 7 hours afterward!). Every year they get here before the kids wake up so they can share the joy! It's a really fun and special tradition for us. I don't spend a lot of time with my brother, but we are very close and I'm glad my kids have him.


3. Mark made me cry, as he does every year. I collect Disney Snow globes and he gave me the most beautiful one I've ever seen. I didn't even know it existed! I can't find it online, so I'll post a picture later.


4. Utter chaos and joy involved with 4 kiddos getting most of their wishes fulfilled!


5. Having Christmas Dinner at my in-laws. It's been a while since we've done that, as my mother-in-law has some pretty severe health issues.


6. Reconnecting with my nephew. We had a fall out a few months ago, but finally, last night, things were back on track.


7. Hearing the shrieking laughter and play of cousins.


8. The picture above. My FIL bought the sign for my MIL in New Hampshire and gave it to her for Christmas and it was my idea to take this picture last night. If you can't see it, it says "All Because Two People Fell in Love."
9. Watching my nieces open their gifts, which they loved!
10. Watching everyone open gifts that we gave them and they all seemed to love. I love to give and I love when the gifts are hits!lol!
11. I got a bike!! I felt like I was 5 years old!
12. Watching my FIL spend a enormous amount of time listening to his youngest grandson read.
13. Watching my nephew and the teenager laugh and hang out together.
14. Playing Guitar Hero II with the teenager. I'm not very good, but ti was fun anyway!

The only sour note of the day was the melting down of my two youngest that started happening around 8:00. When you're up since 6:30 on such a high energy day, the meltdowns happen early!