Christmas pictures

This year we decided to have a smaller Christmas than we normally do. It turned out great, and the kids didn't miss a thing. We're thinking we'll have to do that a lot more often.

This is a picture of the boys in the jammies I made. I made two sets, and this was their least favorite of the two:

(They wore their favorites on Christmas day, as you'll see in the pictures.) I was glad they turned out so well, and the boys loved them. They loved even more that I had used the extra materials to make a sleeping bag for their favorite animals.

Becca's main gift this year was to be able to wear make-up. We had told her she couldn't wear it until she was 14, but as a Christmas gift we gave her a certificate to allow her to wear it early. We also gave her eye shadow and implored her to wear it sparingly. So far, so good ...

Tyler and Zachary got a bunch of new Legos, including some that were already put together into various creations. They love them, and they're very excited about each getting a new game for our Game Cube. However, we couldn't have a Christmas without Tyler getting a new piggie. They're getting harder to find (since we already have so many), but here is his newest one, which is called (ironically) Cutie Pie.

Zachary got a bunch of new dogs as well, including one that looks a bit like his cousin's favorite dog, Buddy. Becca also made new pillows for each of the kids, and they loved them. Here is Zachary with the doggie pillow Becca sewed for him.

Shayla was as happy as could be getting twin babies. She had a few other gifts, but she didn't want anything to do with them once she had her twin babies and a stroller. She even tried feeding a peanut to her baby, which was adorable. Our boys had dolls and never played with them like that. In any case, she looks much older in this picture. Maybe that's her "maternal instinct" coming out ...

And now for what you've all been waiting for: Did Paul like his present? And what was it? Well, Paul's favorite computer game is Civilization IV. So, I got him an expansion pack for the game. Am I nuts??? In any case, he FINALLY liked a gift he received. Miracles never cease!!! He also got his anniversary present a bit late, and I think he liked that too ... although it's still in its shrink wrap. However, since it's less than a week after Christmas, we'll give him a break ... for now ...

And as for me, I had the camera, and therefore got no pictures of me opening presents. I got a membership to Gold's Gym (thanks Paul and DirectPointe), a griddle (thanks Hilary) and a trimmer for scrapbooking. When I was doing bills and saw the Costco receipt for a trimmer, I called Paul to find out why he bought a new beard trimmer without telling me. That gave him quite a laugh and kept me very confused ...

Hope your Christmas was as merry as was ours!