We woke up around 8 and found out that Santa had come to us while we were sleeping! Only part of the cookies had been eaten, so Atticus decided he needed to help him eat the rest. Atticus had to wait until Grace was fed and changed but then he walked straight to his stocking that Santa had filled. He found all kinds of fun things: water flutes for the bathtub, new farm animals, chalk, bubbles, a new puppy dog, a new book, some socks, some rubber bugs, an I Spy game, and best of all, he had a Jessie toy (from Toy Story). He actually got another Woody and Buzz - the boy can never have too many horses and cowboys. Grace's stocking had a new blanket, a kitty cat, some books, a fancy rattle, and some water toys. THEN came time to look into Santa's red bag, that he must have left by accident, to see what each of them received. Atticus got an entire ranch complete with a cattle chute, cattle panels, cattle guard, gates, cattle, and a truck and trailer! Grace got a large plastic dinosaur that plays music and bounces balls up and down until they go into her mouth. It was a wonderful Christmas from Santa! Atticus wanted to setup his fences and am-mulls immediately, as well as play with Grace's dinosaur gift. And, of course, Atticus kept taking breaks to eat the remainder of Santa's cookies while he played.
For the next hour, we played with toys and made our breakfast of Apple Turnovers (Melbo's recipe). Then, Vic and I opened our stockings from Santa - we got lots of delicious snacks and socks and chip clips and kitchen supplies. We called both of our families to wish them Merry Christmas as well and then throughout the day continued to open presents. Atticus also got a Thomas the Train Flashlight for his room, more books, Nemo pajamas, and some animals ink stamps. Grace got a musical makeup mirror, some books, Cinderella and Prince Charming little people, and a new elephant bath towel. Also, both kids got sleeping bags! Vic gave me new perfume, new Brighton sunglasses, the Six Sisters Cookbook, and a new scrapbook cutter that I may or may not have already purchased for him to give me. Vic got a wind chime for the back porch, the annual "Seidel Family" shutterfly book, a cd, and another cookbook. (Can you tell we love to cook around here?)
While gifts are not the most important thing, of course, I do love to shop and love to find special items for people in our families! I love a surprise and I love buying something for someone that they wouldn't buy themselves. Plus, I like remembering what the kids play with now, because I have learned, from friends, that as they get older, they only want things like electronics!
We spent the entire day indoors, in our pajamas, snacking and then enjoying delicious ham and dressing for dinner. Atticus watched both Planes and The Little Mermaid that evening, as he laid in his new sleeping bag and Grace just played with all of the new toys. And, for some reason, Grace found a new kitchen toy for Vic, to be her favorite thing to carry around and chew!
While I love traveling to see our family, I equally love spending this one day in our homes, lounging, opening presents and playing with our kiddos. I have to admit, the one thing we didn't do, that I had planned on doing, was a birthday cake for Jesus. I feel like Atticus definitely knows Christmas is also about Jesus' birthday, in addition to Santa and presents, but next year, we are DEFINITELY doing a birthday cake for Jesus.
I love the sweet pictures and all the traditions!
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