Merry Christmas!

Christmas is here, at long last!

Despite not getting to bed until after nine last night, the girls were up bright and early this morning, eager to see if Santa came.  (In fact, I should say they were up dark and early...note that it's still dim out the windows...)

Santa did not disappoint, providing exciting gifts like an American Girl doll and a ginormous Barbie dollhouse:

Nor did Julia disappoint.  After all her hard work toiling away to make presents for her whole family, she was finally able to present her unique, hand-made gifts to all of us. 

I couldn't wait to open this one and see what it was:

Any guesses?  Hold your breath!  It turned out to be:

An ornament!  TA-DAAAA!


I also got this sweet little love note:

But NOTHING beats the gift Julia gave Ethan:

We do love the movie "Brave."  So what better gift than a piece of paper that says "Barve Barve."  Not just one Barve - TWO of them!  And three hearts! 

Madeleine received a slew of gifts from Julia as well, including this apple counting book:

 (Either she got tired of drawing apples here, or she decided that Madeleine would follow her example and figure out to draw three apples here.)

I am certainly most touched by Julia's love and care in putting together gifts for all of us.  The true Christmas spirit is evident in her gift-giving and handiwork.  Hoping all of you who are celebrating today have a wonderful, peaceful and loving holiday.  Merry Christmas!