Christmas!

We returned from Australia on the morning of Christmas Eve. It was perfect timing.

We spent the entire day building excitement - cooking a feast, baking just a couple more cookies, wrapping up presents, all with our favorite Christmas songs in the background.

Then the stockings were put in just the right places, Santa's snacks were placed neatly on the table, and the boys were off to bed.

Noah made sure there was one carrot for each reindeer and wondered what type of milk Santa would like best.

Gage wanted to know if Santa only ate cookies or if he liked healthy food too. He set out strawberries and apple slices with Santa's cookies. 

Then Christmas morning was magic. 

Rice pudding for breakfast

Stockings first, presents next

One favorite: watching the boys open their gift from each other

Another favorite: watching the boys give gifts to Sibby

We spent the day in our pjs, reading new books, playing new games.

Calling family

We ended the day with a bowl of Paul's stew. 

We also read from Luke and acted out the nativity. Noah wanted to be an Australian wise man and had the perfect "G'day mate!" Some of those scriptures are still singing in my head,

"For unto us a child is born" 

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"