This year we decided to stay home for Christams. I have been pushing hard for us to come up with some of our own traditions rather than traveling hundreds of miles each year to visit family.

One of those traditions is to give the kids something small on Christmas Eve. This year they got pajamas.

Another tradition is that on Christmas morning we let the kids go one at a time to see what they have in their stocking.

Madelynn had a lot of fun opening her presents and seeing the surprise inside.

Candy is something that they always get in their stockings

It is also very satisfying to see the expressions on the kids face when they get a gift they have always wanted.

Madelynn got a lot of clothes, she has been out growing so fast that it is hard to keep up.

The older kids got a new computer so they will keep off of their moms.

Sidewalk chalk was also something that the boys got.

Raelynn got a new doll.

The all got roller blades which will help them play outside more.

The kids have wanted Guitar Hero for a long time and we have borrowed it from Jared a couple times. So we decided to get them instruments of their own. We now have outr own little band in the house.

Madelynn certainly is not one to be left out.

The big gift of the year is a Nintendo Wii.

Anna had us this year and she was very creative and generous.