Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas!  I do appreciate the festivals of the year that point us towards particular sections of our Savior's life.  And right now, we celebrate his incarnation as a tiny baby in Bethelehem more than 2000 years ago.  It is truly amazing that Christ was willing to give up all He had in Heaven to come to earth as a helpless child.  It is beyond my understanding, but then many things are.

  We have talked frequently about Jesus' birth in a stable (though almost certainly it wasn't in December, but the spring) but of course the children had a major interest in the presents under the tree.  Today was the big day, the day that seemed to take forever to come. I will say with joy that all the children went to bed at the normal time last night, and none came drifting out of their rooms at midnight to ask if it was time to get up. The rule was that they couldn't come down until 7 a.m. and they didn't, though little feet were heard on the stairs at 7 a.m. and 5 seconds.  They were indeed waiting by the door, staring at the clock.

  Without further ado, a few pictures...

Opening stockings

Waiting (not very patiently) to open presents.

Oooh, remote controlled helicopter!!

Daddy and Sarah.

Post present chaos!