Christmas Day, 2017

Dakota was the first one up on Christmas morning and she didn't waste any time getting everyone else up. Zoe and Brandon spent the night so the kids went down in the basement to get them up while I did my best to get Landon moving. Landon was the last one to join us in the living room, but we were all settled and opening gifts by 7:15 or so. Everyone got some really nice gifts and I think everyone was happy with what they received. With the exception of Dakota, everyone took their time and got through their gifts at a moderate pace. Dakota though, man she was like a little present tornado. She ripped through everything as fast as possible; she was beyond excited!

As usual, the whole thing was over in what seemed like a blink. We sat and looked at a few things before we all headed into the kitchen for breakfast. We always make cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning but I thought it might be nice to have this as well...it was very good and nice that we could put it together the night before and refrigerate until time to bake. 

Dakota was just checking to see if there was anything forgotten at the back of the tree. :)

The rest of our day was spent opening boxes, putting things together, finding homes for new gadgets and toys, reading instructions on how to play etc. It was busy and hectic and crazy but also overwhelming, tiring and fun. I am so grateful that we are able to have such nice Christmases and even more grateful that we get to spend it together. I love having us all under one roof sharing these holiday memories because I know it won't last forever...