Christmas

Christmas morning started bright and early, before the sun even came up. Henry woke up terrified that Santa hadn't come to our house, so we raced downstairs to check the stockings! 

Santa left them new CDs and some candies and a note telling them to check for a special present under the tree.

The boys asked for iPads for Christmas, but Santa was smart and got them Nabis (kids' tablets with great reviews).

They were in seventh heaven and had to spend a few minutes checking them out and playing a game or two!

Then it was on to other gifts.  Aunt Amber sent a whole slew of new books (we love books!)

and Henry got a Star Wars Legos watch.

Dadd got a new mousepad to replace the one I got him when Will was a baby.

We took a few minutes to cuddle 

before getting ready for round two of present-opening at Nana and Pop's house.   

There were more books

for everyone,

including the annual photo book for the grandparents.  

Pop got a real iPad

and we got baskets full of Portuguese goodies.  

 Will gave Nana two potholders with his artwork on them

 and I got Gene a coffee subscription. 

There were a lot of Notre Dame gifts this year, including cuff links made with wood from the stadium seats, a framed Sports Illustrated cover,

and ND t-shirts for the whole family from Aunt Karen!

After all the gifts were unwrapped and the little ones put down for naps, my boys headed out to play with their new remote-controlled cars from Aunt Jess and Uncle Mike.

While dinner cooked, Will did some math practice while Mary and Henry played with Play-Doh.

The new toys are all fun, but of course the best part of Christmas is spending time with family.

Cheers!