CHRISTMAS DAY

Our first Christmas day as a family of four! Precious, fulfilling, a dream come true! Here are the KIDS on Christmas morning in front of the tree.

We had a wonderful leisurely morning. We slept in and then had a great breakfast. Then, it was on to the fun Christmas stuff.

I have one of the best Aunts and Uncles ... ever!!! And, when I was a kid, we would open the presents they sent to us on Chrismtas Eve night. It would somehow tide us over until Christmas morning. Here are Spencer and Malia opening their presents from Aunty Judy and Uncle Ed.

Spencer helped Malia open her present, which included some clothing and adorable Christmas ornaments.

Spencer received a chess set and remote control helicopter. Thanks so much Aunt & Uncle!!! We love you!

By that time, Malia was ready for her morning nap. Spencer and I took the opportunity to clean up and then play with some of his presents from earlier. Once Malia woke up, we continued with unwrapping presents. Here are the KIDS with their stockings - both made by Grandma Peg ...

Malia had a Do*ra doll in hers and Spencer had lots of candy and a certificate from Mom and Dad for a new bedspread of his choice.

Then we moved on to the presents under the tree. Here is Malia on her new Do*ra scooter. Try as we might, she would not smile. But, her expression cracks me up.

Most of Spencer's presents were for his room. He now has a major guitar theme going on. He was excited to get a new headboard set with guitars and a side table that looks like an amplifier.

Then later in the day we headed out to Rick's grandparents house for a big family get-together. Lots of people, lots of food, lots of laughter, and lots of noise! I guess that equals lots of fun! Here is Malia opening her present from her great-grandparents ...

And here it is Spencer's turn ...

Malia had the most fun out in the garage where she could run around with some of the bigger kids. Here she is holding on to a couple of her glow sticks (part of her present - and especially fun to have on the dark ride home in the van).

Spencer, on the other hand spent his time in the garage drawing a sketch of his cousin, Lauren. Go figure!

One of our family traditions is to take a picture of Spencer by a snowman at my Mom and Dad's house. It's fun to look back on the pictures from years past and see how much he's grown from year to year. My Mom took the picture this year, and I don't have a copy yet. But, this year we get to start the tradition with Malia. Here she is by our snowman at home - made by my creative Papa.

And, no, she's not really smoking the corn cob pipe!

We are so thankful to have had this special day with Malia - no longer a dream in our hearts, but finally a physical part of our family. I love wispering in her ear how she is an answered prayer and how God brought us together. I love that we can now begin introducing her to Him through our daily living. And today, we had the opportunity to celebrate the birth of His Son, Jesus. It has been a very merry Christmas!