Christmas Eve morning began. Ely woke up around 5:30 a.m. He came straight to our bedroom,

snuggled up next to us and went back to sleep.

What? Wait, wait, wait a minute. He went back to sleep?

Yes! That is right...  until Sawyer woke up at around 7 a.m.

The first gift of Christmas.

  Ely's annual nutcracker to add to his collection (a Christmas tradition in our home). Apparently this nutcracker was a bit hungry because he had a jalapeno Slim Jim hanging out of his mouth.

There was a trail of Slim Jim's...

that lead from Ely's bedroom door....

 down the stairs... (pause for a picture)

 to this present...

which contained this package of beef jerky.

Then it was time to dig into some presents.
There were photo books...

 basketball, soccer ball, footballs...

 books....

 and a fantastic stackable snowman...

 Sawyer enjoyed unwrapping his brothers gifts just as much as unwrapping his own.

 And Ely was kind enough to allow Sawyer to help him.

There were gigantic books...

 and stuffed animal books.

 Santa left a pop corn machine with plenty of kernels and seasonings to enjoy through the holidays.

 Then there were stockings.

Sawyer's stocking contained a gift that had him wondering.

 "Excuse me. What did you say?"

 "Oh, you wish me a merry Christmas.
Wait a minute... you can talk?"

 "Yes! I like you my new, talking, stuffed friend."

 "Okaaay, I'm not so sure you about just yet... I. May. need a little time to adjust to you being around."

 There was also this big smile.

 And this huge smile to show that this Christmas was very merry!

 "Oh wow!"

 "You got me a ducky?"

 "I love it dad!"

" Thanks!"

 "Is there anything else in here?"

 "Let me see...

 nope nothing else but I sure love this bag...

 and this box!"

A very dear friend left gifts on our porch, to be cherished for years to come. Thank you Lisa!

 There was so much fun and excitement that a Christmas nap was needed.

Christmas Day was so nice. Phil, Sawyer and I played (with the stackable snowman), ate, watched movies and cuddled ALL day long.

At the end of the day Sawyer chilled with his daddy. Here is the proof! (pardon the wet shirt from our slobbery, teething boy.)

A scene that is becoming familiar in our home. Our sweet boy was so worn out that he once again crashed on the floor...

 right in front of the Christmas tree!

Love, peace and laughter.