Christmas has Come and Gone

The Kids under the tree with Cousin Hailey at Gma/Gpa R's.

Kids with Cousins Abby and Katie, and Braxton at Aunt Diane's.

Caryn, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Alex on Christmas morning.

Caryn woke up with a fever, but was a party trooper.  Ended up sleeping till after 1:00 the day after Christmas though.

Even with not feeling well, Caryn says, "Daddy did you get a picture of me with my lipstick?"

Benjamin opening a "Ben" Thomas train. Notice Caryn took a rest anytime she didn't need to be awake.

Alex with his stack of presents.

Finally, a pillow pet. Dolphin!

It is amazing to watch the kids at Christmas.  How different they all react. 

Benjamin was very patient, but knew exactly when it was his turn to open a present, pointing at himself and making it known that everyone should now watch him. 

Alex was fine with everything, but after Christmas he questioned why Santa brought a few presents because he hadn't even asked for them.  I asked him if he wanted me to take them back, then he was fine with them again. :) 

Poor Caryn picked Christmas morning as the time to catch what everyone else had a few days earlier.  Her sickness turned worse than everyone else's though.  She was determined to have fun even though she felt rotten.

Elizabeth had many questions this year, one being "How does Santa know what everyone else gets you, so he doesn't get the same things?"  Well, dear Elizabeth, seems Santa has no clue since he brought a few things that we received at other gift openings.

It was a fun Christmas and not nearly as exhausting as in past years.  These kids growing up sure makes for more independence and less dependence on Mommy and Daddy, making for a much more enjoyable holiday.