A Hotrum Family Christmas

Our Hotrum Family Christmas started out at our house in the morning, just the 4 of us. The kids were given the choice of opening presents first or eating breakfast, surprisingly they chose to eat first. So we made up a batch of doughnuts and the kids also had a bowl of cereal. After a yummy but quick breakfast we all got settled in the living room to dig into our family presents. As always we started off with the stockings. I am glad I didn't put in much candy this year, since my mom had given us all a TON of candy the previous night. They got an assortment of little toys and bath soaps.

I got Darrin the Cost-co tin of Almond Roca and he got me a gorgeous new Nativity, it's beautiful! Next we had the kids give each other the gifts they had gotten one another.

They were so excited over this, and they both LOVED what the other had picked out. I would say that those presents were right up at the top with their favorites. Maybe because it was more about the spirit of giving? I'd like to think so. The rest of the presents were an assortment of puzzles, clothes, and their BIG gift. Dylan got a train track for his train table we bought a couple months back and Ally got her Leapster, no more fighting over Dylan's! Then came the ensuing mess of opening all the packages, inserting batteries where needed, and getting things cleaned up. The rest of the morning was spent leisurely letting the kids play and relaxing until we realized it was almost time to go! Kicking it into high gear we got the kids fed, car packed and on our way to Grandma and Grandpa Hotrum's for more presents and dinner! We head on over and hang out for awhile, then when Jude has a nice full tummy we line the kiddos up in front of the tree in hopes of catching an adorable picture. We ended up with this....not bad!

Then the kids got to dig in to the presents. First, like always, you start with the stockings! They got a little stuffed animal, a shirt, and what Dylan was most excited about.....FRUIT SNACKS!!!

Next onto the presents! Dylan and Ally helped me hand them out since I was closest to the tree. Then after they were all handed out we let the kids take turns opening them and enjoyed their joy.

They ended up with some books, games for their Leapsters, clothes, and snow globes. Grandma and Grandpa also got Roscoe and Wilson a present. All of the adults then went to the task of opening our presents while also helping the kids open packages to play with their new stuff. After everything was stuffed into bags and the kids changed and had been playing for awhile Grandma and Grandpa gathered up the 3 older ones. We then sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, and the kids and Grandma and Grandpa blew out candles they had lit in cupcakes. After a little longer we all sat down to enjoy dinner together and to give thanks for family. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!