Christmas!

And finally, Christmas Day.  We were up early to attend Christmas Day mass.  My brother joined us, and afterwards took this picture for us.(thanks Shawn!)

Then we headed home for our very own, quiet, Christmas time.  The kids finally opened their gifts from us, which pleasantly, they hadn't been begging to do so until after we returned home from church.

Tim received cookie monster pjs from the kids.  I had taken the kids with me, intending to pick out some lounge pants.  Norrie saw and literally hugged those cookie monster pj's right off the rack.  Conrad's response was not favorable - he felt if we bought this for dad, then it would encourage Tim to eat more cookies and he already eats too many cookies (again, that logic!).  It was easy enough to persuade Conrad that I would monitor the cookie intake, even with monster cookie pj's.  

And the best part about gifts at Christmas?  When the kids love them so much they don't even realize they only opened two presents each!  I think momma did pretty well this year!  (no credit goes to the fat guy in a red suit ;-)

Conrad's main gift this year was Snap Circuit Jr.  I had no previous experience with this one and took my chances.  So far, very impressed.  Age range is 8-108 but the pieces seem quite durable and Conrad has taken off with the booklet and projects (101 projects total in the kit and he's already on #9).  He, so far, has been able to put together each project independently.  And although he can, and does, read the description for each one as well, he asks me to read it to him and explain it to him.  Not surprising though, because how many kids have heard words like diode, resistor, DC power, etc?

Norrie's gift this year was Calico Critters.  She loves all things girl so I was pretty confident with this one.  And so far not disappointed.  This is a gift that can continue growing over the years - there's a whole line of calico critters and houses and accessories!