Christmas morning in our home. My parents stayed over for a couple of nights. Like they have for the past three years. I love this. I hope they keep staying over so we can keep having a quiet family Christmas at our house. Hint, hint...

Seven people's gifts under the tree, after Santa came and before the kids got up. Umm... "Merry Excess?"

Seven people's stockings. We like 'em stretchy!


Pointing out that, yes indeed, Santa had struck in the night!

Christmas morning dawned beautiful! Couldn't have asked for a nicer day.

Mom intervening in what was proving to be a very nasty scrap between two children who both like the same books and don't know how to share very well. Don't they look sweet and innocent? That's because you can't see the bloody gash on Connor's face that Kirstin just finished giving him for trying to take this book away from her...

A mouth full of gummy bears, playdough, and something long and cylindrical... a recipe for a creative mess, for sure, in the hands of my crazy boy! :)

Alex showing off his new Lightning McQueen Blanket. Thanks, Nathan!

Talking on the phone... all day. It's the only day of the year that a phone ringing off the hook doesn't annoy me! Thanks for calling, everyone!

Showing off her new Christmas dress from my parents. Her hair is still lying flat, that's how you know this photos is taken first thing in the morning!

Absolutely thrilled with their interactive Buzz Lightyear and Woody dolls. Alex wrote a letter and asked Santa for them. He was so happy to get them. And I quote: "Hey! I ordered these!"

My goofy girl, taking a break from the festivities to read her book... upside down! :)

Now they're all enjoying their books, peacefully. Whew! Thanks Mom!

... and, the afternoon aftermath. Not bad, actually, it looks worse today than it did that afternoon.

So pleased with her hat, she ripped three of them before my Dad finally stopped giving them to her.

"Don we now our gay... paper hats, Fa la la la la la la la la"

What to do with your stocking once you've emptied it! :)

And now, onwards to New Year's. Happy Birthday Connor, Happy New Year, everyone else! I hope your 2010 is better than, or at least as good as 2009 was for you!