Christmas Day has a funny tradition in our family. If you wake up early, you are not allowed to come downstairs to the tree until Grandpa or Dad has the Christmas music playing (loudly) and the video camera rolling on you. The kids have been well trained to this. (The kids and I have come to know that the process normally takes about half an hour, but they are very patient. I just play safety patrol.)

As this kids came down this year, it was a priceless moment because one of William's presents could not be wrapped so it was left exposed in the wide open. When he came around the corner and spotted a brand new(to him) Power Wheels Monster Truck, the whole Christmas tree, almost hidden with presents, did not even catch a glimpse from him. Willam has been pretty much obsessed with Monster Trucks since he spotted a neighbor around the corner from us with one. Now we drive by that one oh.... at least 3 times a week. The guy, whom we do not know, must think some crazy family in a Honda Oddysey is stalking him or his belongings. One of these days Sam or I will muster up enough courage to go ask the guy if William can sit inside of the REAL monster truck.

The other kids were very surprised at their gifts this year. Natalie had been begging us for a Disney princess baseball bat, and was so surprised to find it under the tree. She also found a cage for a new hamster too. She is really becoming quite a responsible little girl. She has been such a great helper with Chip with thought she might enjoy having a pet to call her own.

Nate found an X-Wing Starfighter Lego set that he had been eyeing for almost a year, a really neat I-Pod Nano, and an aquarium for a new Leopard Gecko. He was so excited. Nate has wanted a pet of his own for a while, but it has been hard to figure out what would work with a very dominant cat in the house. I can't wait to see what his gecko is like.

Brianna was the hardest to shop for this year. She is such an easily pleased kid, and hardly ever asks for anything. Since she loves to read so much, she got the rest of the Redwall series books. She was very excited to see them. Every time she has saved money, she will go to Half Price Books to buy the next one she hasn't read. She also got a new bike because she keeps outgrowing hers, and an I-Pod Nano like Nate.

When all the presents were open, everyone helped to clean up all the papers, then went to the kitchen for our Christmas Day breakfast. I love this meal because everyone takes a part and helps put together this delicious Christmas feast!

After filling up on breakfast/brunch, Sam and I went with the kids to Chad and Amanda's home in Mesquite. We had a blast! The kids helped Amanda and her 2 sisters make a birthday cake for Jesus, and when it was done we all sang Happy Birthday to Him. It was quite a spiritual moment.

Then Chad brought out his automatic, machine-gun style, Nerf gun and started shooting Nerf darts all over the house. The kids jumped right in, and had Nerf battles the rest of the time we were there. I wish we would have had the camera to get pictures. Chad and Amanda's house had Nerf darts all over the place. We had a great time! This Christmas was one for the memory books!