Since Christmas was on a Sunday this year we had to be creative on how to plan our day. We let the girls do their stockings as soon as they got up and then we had breakfast and birthday cake for Jesus. After breakfast the girls begged us to open the Dollar Tree gifts so we did those before going to church. We started the Dollar Tree gift exchange tradition 2 years ago (thanks to the Stepp's for the idea) and it has been the highlight of each year. Everyone takes $5.00 to the Dollar Tree store and we all split up and buy gifts for each other. You cannot go down the same aisle someone is already in and you have to try and keep your gifts hidden if you run into someone. Then, we all go home and wrap the presents and the girls try to keep their gifts a secret until Christmas. We enjoyed a wonderful family service at church and then we came home for more present opening. Later in the day, Uncle Joe, Aunt Abby, Lizzie and Josh came over and we exchanged gifts with them. We had fun hanging out, acting like kids - Nerf/Marshmallow gun war, Hot Wheels racing, exercising, spying (the guys were videotaping us while we were doing Zumba without us knowing) and eating lots of food. We also got to Skype with all our family and even with my sister in Australia, so that was nice too. Here is a lot of photos to capture the day.
Reece got me a Whoopie Cushion. She was very pleased with her selection and I was laughing so hard I was crying when I opened it. Leave it to our little entertainer!
Riley got me an oven mit that matches my placemats and kitchen towels.
Riley thanking Regan for her stuffed animal dog.
Reece also got Riley a stuffed animal dog and Riley was very happy.
Reece got Regan this Caterpillar stuffed animal. Originally, she had picked out a dog toy that was of a raccoon with tire marks across it's face but luckily she put that gift back. Tony had seen the raccoon gift in Reece's basket so we were surprised when it was not the raccoon.
Reece got Daddy a nerf football.
Riley got Regan a cowgirl outfit for her stuffed animal bear.
Regan got me this nice Reindeer Christmas decoration.
Daddy got Reece some Hershey Kisses Chapstick. Reece loved it.
I got Tony a Sports Crossword Puzzle book.
I got Reece a wooden race car kit. She loves to do woodworking with Daddy.
Daddy got Riley a cute dog puzzle.
I got Regan a rubber snake that grows bigger when you put it in water. Regan really wants a pet snake so here it is.
Reece opening her gift from Aunt Kim, Uncle Jeff, Katie and Jonathon.
Tony playing with Riley's maze game she got from Aunt Kim and Uncle Jeff. Kim, who is this gift for?? :)
Regan got a flute ornament and is pretending to play it.
The girls are opening their big gift from us. We got them all a horseback riding lesson/trail ride.
Reece likes her new Hello Kitty shirt.
Regan got a bunch of books from Aunt Kim and Uncle Jeff. She laid them all out on the floor and then got this excited look and said, "y'all are not going to see me for a while!"
Riley showing off her "Jumping Puppy" ornament. We always get an ornament for the girls with something that represents a part of them that year - Riley's Indian Princess name is Jumping Puppy so that is why she got this ornament.
Regan wove a bookmark for daddy at school.
Tony and I usually do not get gifts for each other but this year he broke the rule and got me a deep fryer so we can make buffalo wings.
Riley got this cute Santa dog puzzle from Aunt Kim and Uncle Jeff.
Regan made this clay tile for me at school.
Tony received several books from my parents. He was very happy. He and Regan are planning to disappear with all their books.
Reece got this pretty outfit from Grandma and Grandpa Crissman.
My parents got me this neat cart that you can use at the beach, pool, sporting events, etc.. to carry coolers, blankets, food, all kinds of STUFF. This will be very handy since I am always toting all kinds of stuff. I wonder if I could fit three kids in here?! :) Thanks Mom and Dad!
Regan got a Webkinz snake that she had been wanting. I think this was her favorite gift besides her books.
Reece got a giraffe pillow, blanket, stuffed animal all in one. She has been wanting this since last Christmas.
Regan with her new snake, Stripey. She has been wearing him everywhere.
My parents got Tony a gift certificate to Home Depot.
The Stepp's got us this neat Children's bible.
Reece enjoying her new Giraffe pillow/blanket/stuffed animal.
I think we had an explosion in our den.
Snowman dip that I made.
Riley got a cake pop maker from Uncle Joe and Aunt Abby.
We have lost Regan to more books...she got these Abby and Joe.
Josh opening his Cars Playdough set from us. He is trying to figure out what it is. Once he figured it out he was ready to play with it.
Riley trying to beat Uncle Joe at Stratego.
Tony and Joe used to have these kind of racing tracks when they were kids. Josh got some for Christmas and Tony and Joe are trying to see who still has the fastest Hot Wheel cars.
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