Looks like the mini's made the Nice List

Growing up Sissie and I were up and at 'em by 7 am on Christmas morning. This is a tradition we started when we were younger and something I've looked forward to year after year. That is until this year when I was up until after midnight assembly Christmas presents and stuffing Christmas stockings.
You don't have to say it, I already know. I'm old.
I guess Christmas Eve was too much for the girls because, unlike most mornings, both mini's slept in well past 7 am. And even after they woke up, all they really wanted to do was cuddle with Jake and I in bed.
Hey, I'm not complaining.
When we finally made our way downstairs around 7:45 am, it was as if Santa's workshop had exploded in our living room. So many books! So many toys! So many gifts! It's like I had forgotten the state we, er uh I mean Santa's Helpers, had left the living room in when we crawled to bed just 6 hours earlier.
Go ahead. Have at the old jokes. I totally deserve them.
But I can tell you my old person aches and sleepies immediately vanished the second I caught site of the smiles and joys plastered on the mini's faces when they walked into their own Mini Toyshop. I love Christmas. I always have. But Christmas with kiddos? There is no greater happiness on earth.
It wasn't long before the GeoTrax were humming (something I know Jake was looking forward to!), wrapping paper was flying and smiles were flashing. In a whirlwind of packages and boxes, ribbons and bows, new clothes were fashioned, brand new toys were introduced and pure, uninterrupted happiness was being enjoyed.
But perhaps the best gift of all was when Ashley told me, later that morning, that her toys were nice, but it was really nice that Aunt Shawna and Jessica and Molly had a sleepover with her.
Turns out we didn't need any of those gifts under the tree after all.

The mini's first peak at what Santa left them
So excited to have GeoTrax - almost as excited as Daddy
Love. Laugh. Photograph.
The obsession starts early in our house.
Such a diva
Opening gifts with Daddy
So excited Jessica and Aunt Shawna were there to help them open gifts and stockings
Natalie's "Seriously trying to tear this paper to shreds!" look
Daddy's gotta get on the batteries, stat!
A lovely little Christmas stocking stuffer for Jakey - you should ask him sometime to see it
Aaaand the tradition continues: homemade biscuits and gravy Christmas morning on our wedding china. Call it hillbilly. Call it honkytonk. Call it what you will but it's our tradition and nothing beats that!
Adorable name puzzles I ordered from Etsy for the girls
Christmas morning snuggles with Aunt Shawna before she leaves
Getting love from a nearly naked Natty
PS Nothing like au natural Riane first thing in the morning