Gift opening - part 1

Christmas Eve was anything but traditional this year. Though as young as the kids are, and the fact that a blizzard kept us from our traditional Christmas Eve activities last year, they probably don't really know what our traditions are.

Jeff's work schedule meant we couldn't be together Christmas Eve night. It also meant he needed to sleep in on Christmas Eve morning. I managed to hold off the kids until shortly after noon, before allowing them to wake him. "Daddy, I can't wait any longer!"

There was certainly no shortage of presents to be unwrapped. To make it interesting, Jeff told the kids they had to say something they liked about Christmas before opening each gift. Their answers ranged from snowmen and Christmas songs to penguins (not sure where the little princess came up with that one.)

AJ was surprisingly methodical as he unwrapped his gifts, lining up the newly revealed presents as he went. Since I was busy taking pictures, and Sydney was keeping Jeff busy helping her, AJ was pretty much on his own, wrestling with ribbons and tape.

And he did just fine.

One of the nice things about the toys the kids received this year is that very few involved those blasted twist ties that have irritated me during Christmases past. Another bonus: the toys are becoming more fun. I'm guessing this is the first Barbie Doll that Jeff has played with.

Be sure to look closely. I doubt Rapunzel's hair will ever be that untangled again. Sydney has been showing her a lot of love.

We never made it to church, and our family lunch came from the McDonald's drive-thru. But we were able to spend at least a few hours together and for that I am thankful.