Yes. It was crazy. And busy. And chaotic. And loud. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re all looking forward to it being a bit crazier next year, when Shepherd will be wreaking all kinds of havoc with his big brothers and sisters.
Everyone must have been good this year because Santa sure came packing plenty. The favorites were the boys’ DS and PS3 games (no surprises there). Zach loved his new Artemis Fowl books (see the incredible smile on his face!). Tori was pleased as punch to be in a sea of Threadless t’s ~ her favorite 🙂 The girls loved their Smartcycle, even before they knew it was a game! I (er, I mean Santa) didn’t have the foresight to leave 4 D batteries, so the girls had no idea their Smartcycle did anything more than make them sweat. They were each fighting for their next turn on the stationary bike 😉 Jude loved everything and anything. He spent 30 minutes playing with the little plastic bags his new lacing beads arrived in. My favorite? Watching each of their faces as they opened each present. I never thought Christmas could get any better than I did as a child. It was, hands down, my favorite day of the year. My sister and I wouldn’t be able to sleep the night before, imagining we heard Rudolf’s hooves on the roof or dreaming about what Santa might leave for us. The excitement that built before my dad would throw the doors to the living room open, revealing our Christmas bootie, was all but unbearable. But witnessing the joy on our children’s faces on Christmas morning is a gift that never fades, never rusts or breaks. It is a joy that stays with me. It does get better. It does.
Adorable!!! Your kids are so cute! It was crazy and loud in our chaotic house too! And I loved it!!!!
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
GREAT photos! So glad you all had a Merry Christmas! Now that the holidays are over I think I need a smartbike too…but without the batteries!
Yep, the smiles say it all 🙂
You’re right. It does get better and better every year.
Merry Christmas! Looks like you had a wonderful holiday! What is a smart bike?
Tammy
Great photos !
Gotta love the Packer jersey…
It looks like SO much fun!
Just wanted to let you know I love your blog. Have it bookmarked as a favorite! We have three children and are logged in for our first adoption. China! We know we have a long wait, but we know we are called to China. Your testimony reminds me of myself. Thank you for sharing your beautiful life online! You inspire me.
Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas! Your children are so adorable-what a blessed Mommy you are. 🙂
Perfect, simply perfect…could not agree more!! I need the smartbike without the batteries now that I have eaten more cookies in two weeks than I should all year long!!
Blessings for a fabulous New Year as you bring precious Shepherd home!
heather
It comes and goes so quickly doesn’t it? It is always so sad to say goodbye to Christmas, yet I know that you and I both look forward to what this new year holds for our families! Happy New Year to your amazing gang!
Man your last 2 sentences have me shedding serious tears. I’m waiting for that, for it to get better. I trust in it, and know you are right. When she is home, perhaps I will fully realize it.
I am so glad your heart is full and that you had such a wonderful Christmas.
These pics are wonderful. I am loving Isabelle’s hair- you changed it, no?
Hey ya’ll!! 🙂 Loved seeing all of the photos from your wonderful, chaotic Christmas morning!!! 🙂 Ours was crazy too – and wonderful! Such beautiful children you have. You must be so excited to bring little Shepherd home – the more the merrier!!!!
Blessings in Jesus!!
Rebecca
Looks like your Christmas morning was just as hectic as ours! There was wrapping paper flying and smiles abound. We had to visit the mall yesterday and Oakley searched high and low for Santa:).
Looks like it was a wonderful day! Happy New Year to you and your family. I hope that you don’t mind, but I copied your picture side bar idea on my blog…
What fun! It’s so loud and crazy at our house Christmas morning, and I wouldn’t have it any other way either!!!!!!!!
It looks like everyone must have been very good at your house this year! 🙂 Can’t wait until Shepherd gets in the mix!
Laine
Happy New Year to you all! Looks like everyone had a great Christmas too!
Blessings for a wonderful 2008!
Isn’t it amazing how much joy their joy brings us!!!
Looks like a wonderful celebration! Wish I was there! I thrive on chaos! Everyone looks very happy with all of their loot. What a great first Christmas for little Jude! Looking forward to seeing little Shep next year!