Christmas Morning

On Christmas morning we woke up to find Santa had visited us in the night. We got a lot of goodies in our stockings, a game for the family to share, and books. Ava also got the Duplos farm set. She was excited to see the animals and tractor. She made the tractor make train sounds, "Choo Choo." Rich was excited to find a jaw harp in his stocking and I can't wait to use my Taco Bell gift card. Luca destroyed is Santa ball and is loving his new treat dispensing ball.

After stockings we moved on to gifts from each other. Ava had the most, so she went first. She got an Elmo potty doll that scared her at first, but she now enjoys helping him drink. She also got a wooden tool set and an Elmo DVD. The two things I think she was the most excited about were the Buzz soccer ball and panda umbrella. I think both will see a lot of action.

Rich and I went with our $30 maximum rule again this year. We actually both went a little over, but not by much. It is nice to have a limit and not a crazy one so we don't stress about what to get each other. It is also nice to know we are not spending money we don't have.

This year Rich gave me two Calphalon frying pans. I have a smaller one I love and use all the time, but I wanted one just a little bit bigger. I have been talking about it for a long time now and Rich remembered. He actually bought it a few months ago(which is a Christmas miracle since he is such a procrastinator). Rich was going to buy me the 12" pan, but found such a great deal on a 12" & 10" together that I got two. I'm excited! I would have loved just the 12", but to have both is awesome. I look forward to purging the rest of my junky frying pans.

I gave Rich Season 2 of Clone Wars. It is a cartoon series on Cartoon Network. We don't get the channel, so Rich can enjoy the DVDs while working out on his treadmill in the morning. Last year I got him Season 1, so I thought I would continue the theme. Rich says the cartoon series is much better than the new Star Wars movies and he looks forward to watching Season 2.

These are our stockings. Can you guess the owner of each stocking?

Left-Right: Ava, Luca, Lisa, Rich

I had to use my rainboot because last year I gave Ava my giant stocking. I planned to make a new one, but forgot all about it until Christmas Eve when we couldn't find a stocking for me. Hopefully I will remember to make one before next year.

Ava had new Elmo P.J.s for Christmas. It was hard to get a good picture of her because she was all over the place. I guess that is what it is like having an almost 2 year old.

Our sad Christmas tree with 6 plastic ball ornaments. On Christmas Eve the Jensen's gave us another cute ornament that we added...Thanks Jensen Family!