The Cole Family: Christmas Day

We've had several people (family, friends and strangers) comment to us that this Christmas must be so special with our children being the ages that they are (3 and 4.5). And it is true -- having children at these ages really does bring out the excitement of Christmas. Every tradition, every part of what makes Christmas, Christmas is just accentuated with the wonderment and amazement that sparkles in their eyes.

Everything we did this holiday -- decorating inside and outside of the house, picking out and decorating the Christmas tree, turning on the Christmas tree, garland and wreath lights every day, making a gingerbread train, baking and decorating cookies, making Christmas gift bags and cards, seeing Santa, going to the boat parade, wrapping presents, reading a letter from Santa and seeing a video from Santa -- was a new adventure with the kiddos.

And the highlight of it all was seeing them on Christmas morning. Jack amazed me and sat there with Scott for an hour and a half putting together his lego plane from Santa. All the presents under the tree - untouched. Brooke was amazing and just played with me for the hour and a half wait. But then all bets were off... she tore through the presents like a champ. I'm still impressed with my kiddos when they open presents... they want to play with each toy right away instead of just tossing it aside and going for the next present. And since they could both read their names - they could find their own presents under the tree!

After all the presents were opened and played with, we went to Scott's sister's house for Christmas dinner with the family - all 18 members of us. It really was a great day. The kids played, the adults cooked, chatted and played some as well. The food was fabulous and the opening of the presents with 6 kids was just chaos but in a good way.

Putting together his lego jet plane.