The love and magic of Christmas filled our home today. Our kids were EXTREMELY excited for Christmas morning especially Ke’ilani. She woke up at 2:00, 3:00, 3:30 and 4:30. At 4:30 we finally had her crawl in to bed with us. Devon woke at 6:00 needing to take pain medication for his throat. We asked him if he’d like to open presents since he was awake. He said, “No I’d like to get the medicine in me first.” At 6:30 he returned to our room with the kids, all of them ready to open Christmas presents.
As Judie and I crawled out of bed we could hear shouts of joy and excitement coming from the living room. Ashton was extremely pleased Santa has brought him a brand new, green Mongoose bike. Jessica was equally excited to see her walkie-talkie iPhones and texting capable play BlackBerrys. Ke’ilani shouted, “I got a ripstick and it’s my favorite color” as she held it over her head with one hand. Zayne was extremely pleased with his new Video and Photo Spy Watch. He was quickly taking photos and video with his new toy. I was surprised and pleased at the video and photo quality. Christian was very anxious to have me move the car so he could try out his new Sole Skate – basically a three-wheeled, one-foot sized skateboard. Devon immediately started taking photos with his new camera.
Once the excitement and clamour of Santa’s presents dissipated we gathered around the tree to open presents. Jessica was extremely anxious to open presents and have the presents she gave others opened and struggled with taking turns to open presents. Everyone enjoyed the time giving presents once the new kiddos learned the process of handing out and opening presents. I was very pleased to have surprised Judie this year with a Flirty Apron. She usually discovers the presents I get her so very pleased to have surprised her. She gave me a beautiful picture of the Boise Temple that she and Amber Gunnel made in commemoration of our family being sealed together this year.
We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. Ashton, Ke’ilani and Christian spent much of the afternoon outside riding the new bike, ripstick and sole skate despite the sub 20 degree weather. Yes – they were very excited. Devon experimented with his camera most of the day – playing with the various settings. Zayne took video and still shots with his spywatch. And, Jessica enjoyed texting and talking on her new cell phones.
We invited the Gunnel family over for dinner. Judie and I cooked up a delicious spiral ham, red potatoes and loompia. Amber brought some yummy yams and green bean casserole. After dinner we played Mormon Bridge while the kids played downstairs.
What a great Christmas! Memorable, quality time with the family and our new friends the Gunnels. Merry Christmas!
A few fun photo moments:
Surprised!
A Dad's Experience Adopting 