The kids got home at eight o'clock on Christmas Eve, so we jumped right into our little traditions so they could get in bed at a reasonable time. We baked some quick cookies for Santa, and put out the reindeer food so the reindeer could find our house and have a little snack! Riley and Kit each opened one present, Riley opened his Wii Sports Resort game, which he had been begging for, and actually took it to bed with him! Kit opened her Veggie Tales movie, which turned out to be one of about 5 movies they received, at least she didn't take it to bed!
They carefully hung their stockings-I say carefully because Riley had already pulled the stocking holder down on his head a few weeks earlier, and they are pine cones made of solid metal-heavy and sharp!! They got to sleep in Riley's bed together because I had told them that my brother, sister, and I would all sleep in one (full-sized) bed together when we were little-and they thought that sounded great. I only had to go and threaten them once that Santa wouldn't come if they were awake and talking, and we didn't hear another sound!
Oma and Grandpa, my parents, came up on Christmas Eve and were a great help getting everything set out for Christmas morning. My brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Summer, were up at our house by 7:30 Christmas morning-very impressive considering they live an hour and a half away and don't have kids waking them up on Christmas morning. But they wanted to be up here to watch Riley and Kit open their presents. My brother was also happy to help Riley test out his new Nerf gun from Santa, the bullets glow in the dark so they went out on the patio to test it, it was a little too dark so the lights had to be turned on, but the kids still loved being chased and shot at by Uncle Dan!!
Santa did a great job, they received everything they asked for from him. They were also thoroughly spoiled by family and friends, we were blessed with gifts from many people, and I don't know if I can truly express my gratitude for their kindness.
One of the absolute favorite presents came from a student of mine (and her mom), they got Riley a 2 foot by 2 foot LED Georgia Tech sign for his bedroom! Riley and Kit both absolutely love it, and I think it is pretty awesome too! I haven't had a chance to hang it yet, but I'll get there.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all a blessed New Year!!
