Christmas Day

The morning started well. 

Five happy children and two parents ready to tackle the big day!

I loved finding out this year that the kids favorite part of Christmas is opening their stockings.

They pile on Mommy & Daddy's bed and go through all the silly things that fit in a sock. 

Everyone had a great time.  

There will be more picture of me in December 2012 and January 2013

than any other time in my life as a Mom. Having another photographer in the house (Alona)

means I am often the photographed rather than the photographer! :)

She actually didn't like these glasses all that much. Even though she looks 

adorable in them. She ended up picking out a more "pilot" looking set that she loves.  

She's so funny!

The traditional Christmas morning staircase photo.

The kids all bought gifts with their own money for each other.

Here is everyone holding their gifts from Jake.

After that, it all got chaotic and we didn't get group shots with gifts! :)

Jake made a bowl for Daddy to have his oatmeal in.

Paige made Daddy a Daddy's Girl plate!

Glow in the dark putty for Jake from Paige!

Alona loved the mirror that Paige picked out for her!

And Mommy loves the Nutcracker that Paige gave to her.

Pink hair for Alona! 

(I think she was a little shocked at what in the world she was to do with it!) :)

Connor made Daddy a travel coffee mug!

Paige LOVED Con's gift and showed it with big hugs.

And in her "valley girl" voice she performed for us just how grateful she was! :)

Con made the girls this picture frame with a pic of our family.

I think they liked it! :)

Now for the girls...

Personalized backpacks for all those cutesy gifts they received.

A model of the Titanic (he has to build it himself!).

A silver purse!

The Dino Lego set they've had their eyes on for nearly a year!

Connor gets his long await-for Beta fish.

Liza LOVED her soccer shinguard socks!

Christmas Breakfast.

Our little soccer girl!

She's just to precious for words!

Christmas Lego making in action.

I LOVE the hand-sewn pillow that Connor made for me 

and it matches our bed perfectly!!

It was a great morning. 

Alona & Eliza loved all their gifts and were very grateful for each one. 

Everyone had a great time.

We watched the "Jesus Film" in Russian with Eliza Christmas night and she LOVED that the words of the film match the Wildlife Storyteller Stuffed Animal player that we had given her. 

She's hearing God's Word!! 

She was even reading her Russian "Jesus Storybook Bible" on the couch Christmas afternoon. 

There's nothing like seeing God work in the life and mind of a child!