{ Christmas day }

Our kids actually slept pretty well on Christmas eve and didn't get up until 6:30! I was predicting 5am so it was a pleasant surprise.

My family had a tradition of meeting in the parent's room for a prayer and to visit for a minute before the madness begins. We carry on this tradition and I love it! It's a strange feeling to be on the other side of it. Hard to believe I'm the parent now and these are the traditions my kids will hopefully want to carry on.

After the family prayer, my Dad would always go turn on the lights and go make sure Santa came. That is my job . . . and it's one I love. The kids line up shortest to tallest (we had to change it to that from youngest to oldest when everyone started passing up Laura) and walk out to see the gifts!

There's always a moment of silence when they come out. I think it's the overwhelming feeling of excitement and magic of the moment. At least that's what it was for me. But I do miss Christmas morning with my brother Brian. He was the most excited, let out the most squeals of delight, and made it that much more fun.

First things first . . . they had to take their scooters for a spin!

Then they started opening presents which is my favorite because we always get some classic faces. Sophie and Ayden are so animated!

This year Soph was pretty into the opening part and not as much into what was actually in the presents. She blew through her pile pretty quickly!

A few days before Christmas I took the kids to the store seperately and had them pick out a gift for each other. Last year when I did this it was a lot harder for them to grasp the concept but this year they were awesome. They really thought about the other person and were very excited to give their gifts.

Ayden asked the elf on the shelf to bring some treats and balls for Boston. Santa didn't disappoint!

Once Myla woke up the kids helped her open her gifts. She obviously didn't really understand what was going on, but she sure enjoyed the attention.

{ Boston had to be part of the action }

{ cute sisters }

The kids played with their toys for a bit and then we headed to the Hammer's for more presents!

There are always a ridiculous amount of presents awaiting us!

They decided to open presents in by family in order oldest to youngest which made our children the last to open. It was very hard to wait but they were very excited when it was finally their turn!

It was another incredible Christmas with many family members and lots of love.