Christmas Day

Has it really been a week since Christmas day?! We enjoyed our day home celebrating as a family before we hit the road to visit with our extended family on Monday. We've been really mindful of trying to keep Jesus the focus of our celebrating... a tricky endeavor in this world we live in. I've been really conflicted about the materialism that tempts me and the boys this time of year, but that's a serious post for another time. :) We are very blessed and I'm thankful that we could give generously and thoughtfully. My prayer is that they learn the joy that comes from giving to others. And that the ultimate gift is Jesus dying for us on the cross!

On Christmas morning, the boys let us sleep until 7am. (a rare treat for me!) 

Our tradition is to give the boys each three gifts, just as the wise men brought three gifts to baby Jesus. Luke decided we should open the gifts youngest to oldest because he could be the most patient. ;) Here are a few of our favorite shots from the morning. 

Aaron was SOO thrilled to open his very own Virginia Tech football helmet and jersey. 

The jersey was a little big, so Ethan tried it on for him. 

He was quick to change into his football outfit. :) 

He and I spent time outside in the afternoon tossing his football. 

 Ethan received his first big Lego set... the Lego farm. Perfect for my little animal lover!

He was thrilled and I'm so proud of him for being to put it together all by himself. 

We also got him a microscope so he could study little creatures. (This will be fun for all of us.)

And for my Lego lover extraordinaire...a lego cargo train. 

We also found Electronic Snap Circuits in a catalog and it was a huge hit. 

His little brain loves building the projects and seeing the outcome. (a blowing fan, an AM radio, etc.) 

This is super cool if you have a kid who loves figuring out how things work and taking things apart!

We had a late breakfast of sausage/egg casserole and homemade "ooey, gooey cinnamon rolls" before heading off to church. The rest of the day zipped by as the boys enjoyed their new toys while Darin and I packed for our travels. I'm thankful for the memories we made as a family this Christmas.