Christmas Morning at Home

We have tried to start a new tradition these last two years. In the past, we always went to either Unionville or Moberly on Christmas eve so that we could spend Christmas morning with our parents. We switch off years being at either the Doolin or Self home on Christmas and Thanksgiving. This year was Christmas day at the Doolin's. Back to our tradition though...we now stay home until we have opened our presents on Christmas morning and then travel to our families. It makes for a little rushing around to get where we need to be by lunchtime, but it's nice to have those few hours together at home to enjoy watching our girls open gifts and play with their new things.

Ella did a fine job jumping right into the Christmas festivities. She certainly didn't understand everything going on, but she quickly realized she enjoyed unwrapping presents, making a mess with the paper, and pushing the boxes around. The slide Ella is standing by was her present from Santa. Her babysitter has one, and Ella enjoys it, so we thought she might like one at home since she is only at Gena's two days a week. It worked out nicely for Gracie also, since she still likes Little Tykes slides.

Here is a fine example of Ella simply playing with wrapping paper that was lying on the ground. Great gift idea!

Gracie loves all things pretty, so she was thrilled to get a wedding day Barbie. She already talks about her wedding and what the dress will look like. YIKES!

Ella would leave the slide for a while to explore other things, but she always came back to it. She's trying to figure out how to do it without assistance.

Gracie had been wanting an American Girl doll, but I think Santa thought Target's version was just as cute! She honestly didn't even know the difference, so she was quite happy!

Gracie and Ella tackled their stockings first thing this morning. Ella appeared to know what to do, even though this was a new concept for her. Gracie thought it was particularly funny that Santa put new underpants in the bottom of her stocking. Ella was just glad to see some snacks in her stocking. She's our little eater!