Christmas Morning 2008

Here are a few pictures from Christmas morning. I have some video, but I can't get it to upload (I think it's too long and blogspot knows that only the grandparents would have the fortitude to sit through the entire thing!). So, you are blessed with only a few stills of our fun-filled morning...

The girls were so excited to see what Santa brought them, but they were also excited because their Mimi was arriving late Christmas eve. As soon as they woke up, they asked, "Is Mimi here?" Then, they ran downstairs to find her BEFORE looking under the Christmas tree! When they came upstairs, they saw that Santa had left them the puppies they asked for as well as a few other surprises. They were so funny to watch as they opened their presents because they wanted to play with each new toy as soon as it was opened. Talk about savoring the moment -- It took them 2 full days to open all their gifts! Yes, they had lots to open, but it was more that they took the time to really enjoy and appreciate each gift. It made it a lot of fun for the grown-ups too...

Ella (in the yellow pj's) and Katie (in her BLUE snowman nightgown -- I know, I know... just when you think you have the colors figured out, they go and try something new!) with their new growing puppies, Twinkle and Snowflake. They grow AND know each child's name... so exciting! They also play a little song that gets stuck in your head... I'm a little pup and I'm growing up...

Opening more Santa presents...
Katie got the "word bammer", so she can learn to spell words...

and Ella got this really cool cog game...

But, both girls have promised to share with their sister!

Katie admiring the ballerina twirling in her new jewelry box.

Ella opening the new Barbie from Grandma.

Katie putting her Barbie to bed in the new doll house from Santa.

Christmas dinner with Mimi and the Valenzuela's.

Ella, Ben, and Katie being silly... very, VERY SILLY! I think all the Christmas excitement was making them coo-coo.