Merry Christmas 2009

Christmas is our favorite holiday! There are so many things to be thankful for. We have had a great week in preparation. One of the big surprises of the morning was introducing our kids to the newest member of our family...Cisco. Or as Sam says, "Cisco Scott Thomas". All the kids decided that his full name should be FRANCISCO...because we love the movie "Elf" and as Elf says, "Francisco?! THAT'S fun to say!!"

Francisco Scott Thomas

Our Christmas tradition is to go to Nonnie's house and do gift exchange with her. The kids were ready to go at 8am. Maddie kept giving us the countdown... "Only 8 more hours!!"

My mom at her house with Sam and Maddie

Sam at Nonnie's

Maddie and Ella at Nonnie's

Nonnie gave Sam this AWESOME Star Wars helmet.

We came back to our house and everyone got settled in and waited for Santa to come. The house always feels so warm at Christmas time. I like to just sit in the quiet and watch the Christmas lights.

Our living room

Thanks to my mom, I have a cool collection of Santas from over the years

In the den we have a Santa tree full of only Santa ornaments

The Christmas village on the table in the living room

I snapped this of Cisco waiting with all the goodies from Santa

All is quiet now, but not for long!!

The kids were already up and all piled in Maddie's bed. I brought Cisco in to see them and they were so excited. In true dad fashion I made them stop on the stairs for a photo opp. on the way down to see what Santa left.

The kids on Christmas morning 2009.

Nonnie

Sam is loving his new drum

Sam at Nonnie's

The girls at Nonnie's

Maddie reading the Christmas story from Luke

'Twas the Night Before Christmas read by Ella

The kids discover Santa on Christmas morning 2009

Thank you, God, for your gracious gifts. We thank you for the best gifts in life that aren't bought or acquired. The love of Jesus in our lives and the beauty of each new day with family and friends...for these things we are most thankful! Merry Christmas, friends!