Early Christmas

In an effort not to have to bring gifts back and forth, we decided to have our own "mini Christmas" early on Sunday. We read the Christmas story together, and then each of us got to open a gift. Here are the pictures:

This was occurring during the "reading" of the Christmas story. Something was hilarious, evidently.

I just thought this picture was funny. :)

Our kids have expressed interest in playing games lately, and I realized we didn't have any kids games. So, we have now rectified that problem!

After they were done opening, we played each game once. I think Erik won both games, which really ticked Ginny off. I think we have a little competitor on our hands. . . Good thing we have time to teach her to be a good loser! :)

And it was truly amazing Isaac got to open his own gift. This involved pinning Ezra down so Isaac would have a fighting chance.

Same thing after it was open. Ezra was just as excited about the gift as Isaac.

Eventually Isaac got a chance to play by himself.

Then it was Erik's turn to open his gift from the kids. I made sure he had lots of layers to get through. . . 

And then I forgot to take a picture of him with the final result. (There were about 7 or 8 layers to get through, which the kids had fun with!) He received a stapler that the kids helped me pick out. So exciting, right?!  In my defense, we didn't have one, and he commented around Thanksgiving that we should get one so Ginny could staple her homemade books together, instead of using up all the tape. So, he got his wish! :)

And no one thought to take my picture (oops), but never fear, I got to open a brand new Kindle. (I left my Nook on the plane at Thanksgiving, so it's nice to have a new e-reader.)

And that was our very own special little Christmas. We can't wait to spend the rest of it with our families!!!