Sunday, December 26, 2010

The aftermath

I am curled up on the sofa by the fire while a Nor'easter snowstorm blows around the house. I love a good blizzard! It seems like a good time to blog about our Christmas day festivities.

Before we let the kids come downstairs on Christmas morning, we Skyped Ryan so he could be with us while the kids opened presents. It was so awesome to have Ryan right there. At first we just talked and then the kids started to open presents. It was so cute how they would show him what they got.

Sweet Chloe, who has always been Ryan's buddy, started to cry when she was talking to him. She misses him so much. When the kids chose their spots to sit and open presents, she sat down right in front of the computer so she could be near Ryan.
Here they come!

Jordan is but a blur as he flies by

And Jake brings up the rear

Clustered around the computer to wish Ryan a Merry Christmas

Ryan was very festive in his signature Santa hat. He always wears one when we open presents. We sent him one right after Thanksgiving so he could get in the spirit a little early.

Jeff adjusts the computer so that Ryan can see the kids tear into their presents

Woowee...Gymboree outfits from Grandma!

Stylin'

Molly is a budding photographer and now she has her own camera. Look out world!

Jillian really wanted a pillow pet

Dad records the memorable moments

What a mess!!

Jordan's Army bear {or is it a dog? whatever...}

Katie model's her new outfit {Mom...this photo is for you!}

Zoey fell in love with this ridiculous blow-up football helmet that we got as a gag gift for Molly
{who has been begging for a real football helmet}

Jake {helps} set the table for Christmas dinner. The kids insisted on eating in the dining room "because it makes dinner feel special."

Smile everybody!

Notice they only have rolls on their plates.

Don't forget to take our picture, mom!
{Notice the Teenager lurking in the background. I have to be sneaky to get a photo of him.}

And just to prove that I was actually there, I took my own picture.