Christmas Morning Pics

This Christmas we had a pretty busy family schedule from both sides, so Anna and I wrapped all the presents earlier than years previous. That meant that Christmas Eve night, we actually got to bed at a pretty decent time. That made getting up at 7am a lot easier.

Here's what it looked like after Santa visited us.





After all the "Holy Cow!"s, the kids sat for a quick picture before we tore into our presents.


This was the first year we took the kids shopping for presents for their siblings. We took them shopping at places like the Dollar Tree, 99 cent store, etc. We did our best to explain that Christmas was about giving to others more than it was about what we get from others. The kids were very receptive to that idea, and had fun choosing what they thought their brother or sister would really like. In fact, during our McAlister Christmas adult white elephant gift exchange, there was a mention of "grabbing" a present, and Liam was there and said, "Christmas is about giving, not grabbing!" He was very serious when he said it too. It got a chuckle out of all who heard it.

Anyway, back to our Christmas morning; Everyone took turns opening presents, and we all watched as they were opened. Christmas morning present opening expressions are the BEST! Everything the kids opened was met with wide eyes, and entusiasm. This year there were quite a few more "for everyone" presents than the past, and the kids did a great job making sure everyone got a tear on the wrapping paper before it was completely torn off.

Here are some of the aftermath pictures...

We didn't rush through our present opening. I think we opened everything in a little under two hours. That left us time to get dressed and ready to take family pictures that morning in El Monte without being horribly late.

We spent the rest of the day in El Monte at the Foutz compound. Apparently we didn't take any pictures, though I know there were pictures being taken. I'll have to track those down from those people. (Kristi)

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was extended by having McAlister-Christmas Christmas Eve, then extended Foutz family that night. Then Christmas morning at our house, then the Foutz compound the rest of that day, and Friday. Then some family at our house Saturday evening, and then another evening at the compound Sunday.

It was very fun to have my whole family around and in from New Mexico, Arizona x 2, and Utah.