Christmas Day with the Ansons :)

First let me apologize: This is going to be a super long post!! Christmas morning came early at our house. No the kids didn't get up early . . . we did! I know, I know what were thinking right? What can I say we were a little excited :) Benjamin did get up about 6:30 but we had to wake Rachel up at 7:30 because she was just not getting up!!

Benjamin made a B-line to the tree and cookies after he got up (and had his diaper changed of course). He must have remembered us leaving them out. He kept going "uh, uh" and pointing to the plate with the half eaten cookies. Then he was so kind as to give us his nook and help Santa finish his cookies.

When Rachel finally rolled out of bed she looked at the plate of missing treats and said "Look Santa came and ate all of his cookies!" She didn't notice the presents yet at this point.

Both Benjamin and Rachel had lots of fun opening their gifts. Benjamin would rip off a piece of the paper then walk over to the garbage bag to put it in and after Rachel had opened hers she would ball up the paper and put it in the bag. I've taught them well if I do say so myself! :)

They both got lots of goodies in their stockings and couldn't wait to play with their easel and activity mat. Oh and to eat their goldfish :)

Marc got some yummy beef jerky and other smelly icky treats (that I can't stand) to take to work for snacks. He and I each got a pair of snow boots for all of those times we have to go out and shovel. (We ended up opening the boots about a week before Christmas but we needed them.) He also got some movies, a new tie and a belt that Rachel picked out. While we were at the store Rachel insisted that we get Marc a baby doll for Christmas. I talked her into looking in a different section first (the men's of course) where she decided that "daddy needs this belt, it's his favorite. Daddy loves belts!" Maybe we'll get you a baby doll next year Marc! :)

Marc got me this watch for Christmas!! And I LOVE it!!!! He did really good this year! He picked out the face and the band all by himself, so proud of him, he listened to my hints :) He also got me years supply of Bath and Body Works lotion, soaps and body sprays. If it weren't for Christmas I wouldn't get my yearly supply. J/K!

Super cute watch huh!?

This is Rachel's stash. She got a lot of clothes, PJ's, toys, necklaces, a Mr. Potato head, and a basket for her bike (among other things).

This is Benjamin's loot. He got lots of clothes, PJ's, toys, trucks, and blocks. Oh and we can't forget the many movies we got from Ed the Elf. We got a lot of fun kid movies to get us through the winter :)

This is the activity mat that "Santa" got for the kids. It's called CTR Town. There is a Temple, a church, the MTC, houses and lots of other places they can drive their trucks 'to' on this mat. I love it and so do the kids. This and the easel are 2 of the best toy investments we - oops! - Santa got them this year.

While we were opening our gifts we had yummy cinnamon rolls baking in the oven. And they were done just when we were cleaning everything up . . . perfect timing. And a perfect Christmas morning breakfast!

******************************************

After breakfast and baths we headed down to Marc's parents to enjoy some time with family and of course to open more gifts.

Benjamin got more trucks! Also I thought Benjamin's shirt was quite appropriate for the day. You can't see what it says but is reads: Who needs Santa when I've got Grandpa!! Hilarious huh?

Rachel and Benjamin got lots of great books, and Rachel got some pet pockets (I don't remember what they are called.)

But she and Ally had a blast playing with them together.

Benjamin loved his new trucks! Maybe this will get him away from wearing sparkly girl shoes . . . maybe.

Nicole got us this fun game and the Movie Sleeping Beauty.

Rachel, Zac, Marc and Nicole had fun breaking in the new game at Mom and Dads.

Benjamin and Zac had a great time having boy time together, but it sure would have been fun to have Caleb and Jacob there too.

After opening gifts and playing we had some yummy dinner (as always). Then the kids played, and played and played as only cousins can do best. But by 7 pm that night after not having a nap Benjamin had had enough and I think we all did. It was a great Christmas, we had a wonderful time. Now less than 12 months to go until we get to do it again!! Yahoo! I think I'm gonna take a nap . . . ;)