McAvoy Christmas Morning

I regret not having my camera on Christmas Eve.  My mom did a great job planning and executing the evening.  It started with a game and arts and crafts, then dinner, a nativity reenactment, and present opening.  Sadly, I forgot my camera.  It was certainly a night to remember.  My kids loved their presents from Grandma and Papa.  They gave great reactions to each present and remembered to say thank you.  They loved the evening. 

I didn't forget my camera Christmas morning.  We spent the morning at Mommom and Papa's house.  We started with breakfast and playing outside, followed by present opening.  The kids loved their presents and Joshua gave a memorable reaction when he opened his Mindcraft book collection.  It was a great morning.  Someday, I'd like to get the grandkids together to recreate these photos (like 20 years down the road).  It would be funny. 

Hannah on Christmas Morning

Luke on Christmas Morning

Mercedes on Christmas Morning

Joshua on Christmas Morning

Reactions

 

The following pictures don't need much explanation, so I will keep it short.  Here are the first reactions from the kids.

 

Christmas Eve

 

Imagine our surprise when Jon Mark and I walked down the stairs on Christmas Eve and saw all the Santa had brought.  Santa can get a little carried away, but it is all for fun.  Imagine just how difficult it would have been if Santa hadn't brought everything already assembled.  If he hadn't Jon Mark and I would have been awake until 2 am assembling everything, and then we'd be so tired on Christmas morning.

 

One of our Christmas traditions is that we discuss in the weeks leading up to Christmas day, what spiritual gift the kids want to give Jesus that year.  Think of it kind of like a New Year's resolution, only different.  The goal being that of centering our minds on the true meaning of Christmas.  This year, Mercedes and Luke gave the gift of being kind to others.  And, Joshua gave the gift of gratitude. 

Ignore the pregnant lady in the background.  Clearly she didn't know that her picture was being taken.