Christmas Day

Well, let's be honest, this post is mostly for the grandparents. Seeing as we were in Milwaukee for Christmas we had to document almost the entire morning for grandparents to catch a glimpse at Marshall's Christmas morning experience. So, enjoy it all Grandpa Bob, Grandma Becky, Grandma Laura, and Grandpa Toney-this one is for you guys!

This is from Christmas Eve. It is so much fun to play Santa for your own children; definitely a highlight of the holiday! My parents purchased the table for Marshall and we (Santa Clause) bought him the train set. We originally purchased the train set this summer at Target on sale with the intention of giving it to him for his birthday, but after he got spoiled in Utah the entire month of September we decided to hold off until Christmas. So glad we did, this table is perfect for it and he is in heaven!


Marshall's stocking display. We picked up the tradition of cereal from Richard's family. I love it, makes Christmas breakfast easy, easy, easy and everyone is happy!

Moving onto Christmas morning...since Daylight Savings Time Marshall has been waking up between 6:00 and 6:30 screaming, unfortunately Christmas was no exception. (As a side note, just this week he has started sleeping past 7:00 and wakes up SO much happier, thank goodness!) Anyway, I was actually able to get him calmed down in his room before taking him out to see his presents, but you can still see the puffy and teary eyes. :(


And here's Marshall one minute later, love at first sight!



All smiles!


Santa Clause checking out the stocking loot.


Marshall going through his stocking. Another tradition we got from the Leakes, a stocking full of candy. Don't worry, he's limited to one piece after lunch and one more after dinner, and if he doesn't ask, we don't offer it-so he's not too sugarloaded!


After the stockings we took a break for breakfast before getting to the presents under the tree. Here's Marshall with the first present he opened; two cars from cousin Katelin-perfect!


I was up next with the biggest surprise of my morning...



Completely unexpected and very exciting.


And now for Richard's surprise...


Can't fake a smile like that...pure happiness.


Richard and his loot; another BYU-themed Christmas.


My Christmas, can't complain! Love that we are still spoiled by parents, yet another benefit from being in medical school without a paycheck. :)


And this is how the little man made out...definitely need a playroom now!


It was a fantastic Christmas morning. Relaxing and full of fun! Marshall is still at the age where he doesn't care about getting through the presents as fast as he can; he's content to play with one for a while before moving on. We didn't finish the morning festivities until 9:00 am-not bad considering our morning began at 6:30!

Later that morning we had five other families over for a Christmas brunch. Unfortunately it went completely picture-less as I forgot to take any pictures until I shut the door after the last family left. Oh well! We still had a great time with the Rabes, Barbers, Lindseys, Burtises, and Rowans. The kids played well, the food was delicious, and the conversation was wonderful.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing, talking on the phone to family, and of course, playing the Wii!

Here's one more cute picture of Marshall with Richard's headphones. He really has become a little ham with an incredibly expressive face-makes me laugh every day!