Christmas Morning

Christmas morning with kids is so much fun. Amelia and Elsa burst into our room in the morning and could not contain their excitement. Lots of giggling and jumping on our bed, urging us to get moving. We got Oliver up and let the kids head into the living room to discover their Santa surprises. More squeals and giggles and excitement (see video). It took Oliver a minute to figure out what all the excitement was about. Then he discovered his car track and lots of toys that made sounds and he was busy the rest of the day.

We took our time opening gifts, stopping to pull everything out of that pesky plastic and set things up. We took a break for a yummy breakfast of German pancakes with apples, sausage, and bacon. Then finished unwrapping gifts under the tree. The rest of the day was spent playing with new toys and games, doing puzzles, watching movies, and video chats with family. Ben's parents joined us later in the day and were given a tour of all the new toys.

Before the chaos...

(This Symphony in B toy is so cool. I highly recommend it for just about any age.)

Amelia's Christmas list grew longer and longer every week (she started it a few months before Christmas). Elsa's only request was a Dream Lite. She said that Santa would be able to decide what she would want (luckily she screamed "this is just what I wanted!!" with every gift she saw).

Amelia had been asking for an American Girl doll for a few months. Not because she's really into dolls, but because she knows kids that have them. I kept trying to tell her that they were way too expensive and she may not get everything on her Christmas list, etc etc. She kept telling me that Santa's elves could make one.

She was so excited when she saw the doll and kept saying "Now I KNOW Santa is real because you would never spend this much money on a doll!" She was right. And luckily Santa's elves know about Target. I just make sure to hide the American Girl doll catalogs from her when they come in the mail (you know, so she doesn't start asking for a grand piano to go with her doll). And I'm pretty sure the American Girl franchise overheard her talking about the dolls because those catalogs inexplicably started showing up in our mailbox a few months ago.

Elsa got a doll too so they wouldn't be lonely. And every doll needs a horse, right?

 

BEFORE:

 

AFTER:

Christmas Eve

After spending a few hours at the zoo and letting the kids release some of their "It's Christmas Eve and I'm so excited I think I might explode" energy, we headed back home for more fun.

Ben's dad had access to a Santa suit so he surprised the kids with a visit from Santa. He even brought a bag full of little presents for everyone to open. The kids' eyes got so big when he dumped out the presents. Santa also entertained us with a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Next up was the traditional Olsen family Christmas dinner with stuffed hard rolls, veggies and dill dip, chips and dip, Christmas jello, spiced cider, and egg nog. I just love how much this meal tastes like Christmas to me.

After dinner we acted out the nativity. Elsa was Mary last year so Amelia took over the role this year (and put together her own costume). Elsa wasn't too happy but then insisted that she be Joseph (I guess that was the next best thing). She got all dressed up as Joseph and then became angry again (not sure why) so at some point she made the transition to angel. Oliver was not interested in wearing a costume.

Elsa/Joseph starts to get angry...

Elsa returns as a much happier angel...

We finished up the evening with chocolate fondue! Another tradition from my family. 

The kids opened up new pajamas. Oliver was very ready for bed at this point. Grandma and Grandpa headed out and the girls got some cookies ready for Santa. Elsa was asleep within minutes. Amelia required a bit more time. Ben and I watched "It's a Wonderful Life" to finish up the evening.

Christmas Eve at the zoo.

We made our traditional visit to the zoo on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Ben's parents met us there and we had fun checking out all the animals, despite the yucky weather. It snowed briefly which was exciting but mostly just rained. But we nearly had the place to ourselves which was nice.

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