This was the first year that the kids woke up before us. It was a bright and early 5:00 am when we headed down the stairs. It didnt take long for them to find a gift with their name on it.
As always, we opened from youngest to oldest. Brylee's first gift was the one she had been begging for...a Dora Mermaid doll.
She had to get it out of the box immediately!
Zack also got one of his most wanted, a remote control robot.
And he also had to get it out and start playing with it right away!
Skipping to Katelin...she was ecstatic to finally get her own I-Pod. She had been behaving perfectly for almost 3 whole days to earn it. (:
That reaction is what makes months of debt almost worth it!
And here is the homemade gift to Zack from Alissa...an angry bird game. Wish I took a better picture. She painted soup cans like the pigs, and a red ball like the angry bird. He can stack em up and knock em down.
Katelin got the response she was anticipating from Madi. It was cute how excited she was for her to open her gift.
Brylee was also excited about her own big cardboard castle to color...
Madison made me a Christmas garland decoration...
Alissa wanted an American Girl doll again this year, but I just cant stand the idea of spending 100 plus dollars on a doll. She always is trying to steal Madi's I-Pod, and just figured it was out of the question to even ask for one of her own. But when Ryan found a killer deal on refurbished I-Pods online, we decided to get one for Katelin and Alissa. She was pretty excited about it, even though she didnt get the American Girl doll.
One of the things Madi asked for...nail polish stuff.
Kate and Alissa both wanted Press Dough, although we wont be making more cookies anytime soon.
Zack had been asking for a Robot all month, then the week before Christmas changed his mind to a remote control helicopter. Santa was nice enough to bring him this, even though it was a last minute request.
Madisons biggest request this year was what she referred to as "a Natalie chair", because her friend Natalie has one. Try searching for that term online. We discovered the actual name of it was a butterfly chair and walla! One happy girl.
Brylee's 'B' made by Zack.
Puzzles for Mom.
Alissa's earmuffs got eaten by the dog a couple months ago (that happens a lot around here), and she has been begging for a new pair ever since. It was a no brainer for Madi that that was what her homemade gift was going to be for her. It was a success!
Brylee got her own piece of technology-a leap pad explorer.
Zack has wanted his own robe since his sisters got theirs last year. Doesnt he look regal?
At this point we had a couple hungry kiddos. We breaked for breakfast. Brylee decided to clear her stomach out and puke before eating. Luckily, she got this new dress from her Aunt Mindy to change into. She felt fine after that. Maybe she just wanted to wear the dress.
Even the ear muff & gingerbread eating dog got taken care of. Must be harder for 4 legged creatures to make the naughty list. She got her own blanket, doggie jacket, food bowls and toys.
And as always, the cat got some canned food and cat treats which are a delicacy for him.
Eventually, we made it to the stockings...
Brylee got socks, leap pad games, a snow globe and candy.
Zack got Puss in Boots movie, a nerf football, a book light, DS game and candy.
Alissa and Katelin both got socks, a I-Pod case, snow globe, DS game, book light and candy.
Madi got the two last Harry Potter movies, DS game, I-Pod case, socks, book light, an I-Tunes card, and candy.
And the grand finale...in addition to the stocking stuff, all this years gifts!
Brylee: Dora Mermaid, Leap Pad, cardboard castle, Stompee's slippers, B wall art from Zack, a book, sock monkey from Madi, Book and dress from Aunt Mindy.
Zack: Remote control robot and helicopter, robe, vest and tie, legos, angry birds game from Alissa, book and spiderman figures from Aunt Mindy,transformer from Madi, and a puzzle.
Alissa: Press Dough, I-Pod, Art stuff, journal book, ear muffs from Madi, Book and jewelry box from aunt Mindy.
Katelin: I-Pod, Press dough, journal book, jewelry box, necklace hanger from Brylee (realizing I didnt get a good picture of that either, but it turned out cute), snow globe from Madi, dress and book from Aunt Mindy.
Madi: Butterfly chair, blanket, slippers, nail polish stuff, moccasins, skirt, calendar form Katelin, frog and book from Aunt Mindy.
Mom and Dad: 3D blueray player, laptop, book and Wii game from Aunt Mindy, surround sound speakers, special spatula for making special noodles from Grandma and Grandpa.
Dad: shaver, oil vial, Guitar Hero game, mug from Madi.
Mom: puzzles, work out jacket, slippers, DVD, garland from Madi.
Oh, and the family also got the Wii Draw game with pictionary, and a new sled...for in case it ever snows around here!
The remainder of the day was spent doing this...
A lot of I-Pod time, puzzle piecing together...
Coloring of the cardboard castle...
And of course eating and talking on the phone with family.
Overall, I think it was a success! Another one down! Phew.
