Christmas day (2011)

What an amazing Christmas morning!  Amara got up at 6:30--which she almost never does...so she was either excited, or I was banging around cooking too much, or neither/both.  But she came right downstairs like nothing and started in helping me.

An hour or so later, sis got up--she was bright eyed and ready for the day!  She helped me finish up cooking too (we had told the grandparents to come at 8, but by 7:30 they were ready to go).  Grandparents got there at 8 and we got started!  We got Cora a wooden walker/cart--since she's so close to walking, and Amara a leap pad toy (like an iPad) which she might be too young for, or just prefers our iPhones :)

Cora enjoyed standing ON the presents or pushing them around much more than opening them--though as with most babies, enjoyed the occasional bow or paper in the mouth. She liked all her cars and blocks, and toys though--and got some special treats for sure.

Later in the morning, Aunt Kristin and Uncle Jim joined us and shortly thereafter, Uncle Matt, Aunt Stephanie and cousin Coulter too.  Coulter was very into the packages--probably more than either of our girls.  We all enjoyed breakfast--mom brought our breakfast casserole, Cindy brought fruit, and Eric and I made a new strata (with SPINACH!!) sausage roll, monkey bread, and pumpkin roll.  Yummy!

Amara loved her blue sparkly sun glasses--and I love that little sister is sitting in the DRIVERS seat behind her--we'll see if that changes when we show them this thing has a BATTERY in it.  Funny, they were perfectly content just playing the radio and pretending in it!

Alan got a family pic of us--he leaned over the railing while Cindy jumped up and down on the couch.  We weren't sure what type of catastrophe would result, but it was all good.

To say this was our favorite tree ever is an understatement, what a beautiful site!  Eric and I were in love with it--and I think the girls just "got used to" the towering giant of lights in the room after a bit.

Cora and her bows--and what was probably her favorite ornament to play with this year.  A very special one Eric got me a few years back, actually.  After just a couple hours, things were wearing out, so we all took a break and some quick naps. 

After naps it was on to the Jahn's.  Amara and Grandma opened their presents vigorously!

And no surprise, Amara focussed on the makeup--do I have a budding starlet or makeup artist on my hands?

And Cora and her screwdriver.  She didn't put this thing down all afternoon! I love you can see her little teeth in there.  4 of them to be specific!! (and one to bust through on the top on the 26th, to be sure)  We had an amazing Christmas day both at home and with the Jahn's.  I am seeing more and more now why the PARENTS need a break at home than the kids--though both of ours were pretty tired.

The girls both loved this car toy of Jungle Junction, the perfect blend of cars with wheels to bite on and a way to run cars across the tracks (and tables.)  Amara asked to spend the night Christmas night, and we figured why not let her enjoy her vacation.  We haven't had snow, heck it was probably 50 degrees, but the magic is still there.  What an incredible day and so lucky.

Our pretty lights outside at dusk!  (Great shot E :))