In all the years I've been married to Ryan, I have never seen him so excited for Christmas. He literally couldn't stop telling the kids how much they were going to LOVE their presents - for a couple months before the actual day! I told him he is never again allowed to know what the kids are getting! He made the wait until Christmas day seem to take FOREVER!
Our Christmas Eve program was done a little differently this year. Ryan planned the program and decided to have us read some scripture passages about Jesus, rather than just reading about his birth. It was a great addition to the Spirit that was already in our home. The kids were rather disappointed and confused when I told them they would not be getting their Christmas Eve ornament or new pajamas until the next day. They look forward to the presents they get to open every year on Christmas Eve: pajamas, a photo book and a new ornament. At least they were able to get the photo book! They got to bed about 11, which meant it was after 1:00 am when Mom and Dad finally got to bed. The kids all sleep upstairs in the same room on Christmas Eve. This year they all chose to sleep in Brynlie's room; 3 kids in the bed, with Brevan on the floor.
Brynlie made sure to leave her "good deeds" countdown next to the Santa letter this year. She took this Primary assignment to heart and actually found a kind thing to do every day leading up to Christmas. One day I watched her get on her coat and walk to an elderly neighbor's house to give them a letter she had written and wish them Merry Christmas. I was so proud of her!
I love how kids always change what they want from Santa right before the actual day. Both Brevan and Lindsey changed the present they wanted from Santa at the very last minute! Too bad, he had already finished his shopping.
Our very old, kid-friendly, awesome tree.
Santa brought Lindsey a Password Journal she's been wanting, plus a pink camera that can also take pictures under water. Hmmm, why would Santa think she would like a camera that works under water? Like maybe even in the ocean while snorkeling?
Logan received the Hulk mask and gloves he wanted, plus the Amazing Spiderman movie and video game.
Brevan got a spy tank that can take pictures and videos hundreds of feet away. He can control the tank with his iPhone while it's on the top level of the house and he's all the way in his basement bedroom. He also got the Lord of the Rings trilogy, since he's been excited to see the Hobbit movie.
Brynlie got her much-desired iPod Touch, so she can text her friends. We don't allow cell phones until the kids are at least 12, but she's felt very left out of her group of friends this year because they communicate often over texts. She's been happily texting random, silly messages ever since. She also got a new sweater that is her favorite color.
Our family room, after Santa arrived. In order to place the Christmas tree in the family room this year, I took apart the sectional couch.
I was wide-awake at 5:30 and anxiously looking forward to 6:30 when the kids were allowed to come downstairs and check out the presents. When 6:30 came and went without a noise from upstairs, we went to check on them. They were all sound asleep! We couldn't believe it! Brynlie said she was awake all night and had only been able to sleep the past half-hour. We woke up the sleepy bunch and excitedly told them we were ready to get started with the morning!
After checking out the gifts from Santa, Ryan and I couldn't hold in our excitement any longer. We gave each of the kids an envelope with a number on the front. Inside, were the following notes.
The rest of the morning was spent opening presents that were related to our cruise. Everything the kids got from me and Ryan was either something they would need for the cruise or a Disney item. They finally understood why I didn't give them their pajamas or ornaments the night before, since they would have really wondered why Mickey and Minnie were on everything. I even got my own set of Minnie Mouse feetie-jammies! I've pretty much been wearing them constantly ever since.
Poor guy just wasn't feeling so great. He took a long nap later in the day. But not quite as long as the THREE hour nap Ryan and I took! Gotta love the Christmas break relaxation.
Brynlie is slightly obsessed with The Muppets, but specifically Kermit the Frog. Many of her items were Kermit related this year!
My happy, handsome husband.
My kids gave me some great presents; Brevan and Brynlie gave me a gel seat cushion from Brookstone that helps people with bad backs. I put it in my van for all those hours I spend driving kids around every day. What a thoughtful present, because my back is getting worse every day. Logan gave me a Christmas tree plate, to hold small candies. I think he had ulterior motives in his gift-giving this year! Lindsey's present gave me the biggest smile of the day. She bought me a mug with my initial on the front because she knows how much I love my morning hot chocolate. Then she made me a small bowl to be a "marshmallow holder" to go along with the mug. What sweet kids!
Brynlie was rather excited when Grandma and Grandpa Springer gave her an iPod cover with Kermit on the front and back.
My present to Ryan - haha - so strange that this shirt reminded me of him!
Brevan handed Ryan a present, which ended up being this game. We were all confused since Brevan loves the game but Ryan (and I) HATE this game that the rest of the Ellefsen family loves. Ryan was wondering how to thank Brevan for a game he hates when Brevan suddenly busted up laughing and handed him the "real gift." Great joke, Brev! We all had a good laugh for a while.
My parents gave me a new nativity scene to add to my collection! I'm getting quite a few of them from around the world now. Ryan's parents gave us a week-long condo stay in Orlando next year so we can take the kids to Disneyworld! We love gifts that involve making memories together!
Hands down. Best. Christmas. Ever.
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