the best Christmas ever

This Christmas was one of my favorites ever. Sorry for the long post, but this is CHRISTMAS! The best day of the year. I already can't wait for it to come again.

Sydney was the first to wake up, and ran straight to our room. She and Daddy waited paitently while some members of the house scurried around with a couple finishing touches (mainly her pokey mama taking some photos).

Max woke up on the wrong side of the crib with confused, sleepy tears 

we first went straight to the fireplace where the stockings were waiting

even Haley got some goodies from st. nick

she went straight for the kill and dumped the whole thing out to count her treasures and treats

Tommy and Max found some goodies

the best parts...a huge pack of chapstick and the "deer" she kept asking for (which Santa interpreted as Bambi)

Santa slipped a little bag of coal into my stocking, and Sydney's been reminding me ever since that I was naughty and got coal. 

my mom and dad got some treats, too

valerie and kathleen with their spoils

The best part of the morning in these four photos. Sydney didn't see her giraffe at first, and went straight to Max's little barn set. But then she saw the look on Max's face (who was transfixed on the huge giraffe) and then ran to it.

Sydney named the giraffe "Gino" (she's been really good at making made-up names for her toys, all with strange, two-syllabul sounds). Max loved the wooden food in the shopping cart more than any of his toys.

Haley was happy to find her own stocking and giant bone

Sydney wore the Santa hat and handed out all the gifts - she was more excited about that than opening her own presents. I was just grateful she didn't have any meltdowns like last year. ;)

Sydney and Tommy got me the sweetest gift full of sentimental books, candles, and a movie that have to do with my childhood - things for Sydney and I to share together on our "adventures"

I was so excited about this sweet little doll from Land of Nod with this IKEA bed. Max tried out the bed and approved.

look at this face - she pulls it when she sees the camera

Gino gave a lot of rides

Max was a totally different boy, and kept throwing the funniest, saddest tantrums. It was entertaining. Needless to say, he went down for an early nap before the rest of the presents were opened.

I love the feeling after the presents are opened, when everyone lays around lazily and plays with their toys

We spent the afternoon with Tony's family to join them for church and Christmas dinner. Cousins are the best!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, everyone!