I Christmas began with our traditional Christmas Eve candle-light dinner, and reading/singing of the Christmas Story.

Christmas morning we took the traditional picture top of the stairs, only this year there are a few more smiles since it was 9:00 am instead of 6:00 am!

Merinda enjoyed all her gifts which she meticulously placed for the picture.

Breck was thrilled about his purple tie. . .

But definitely his favorite gift was his new I-Touch (of which he already earned  half the money for). But I guess seeing is believing.

Brittney too was pretty happy about her new I-Touch. I don't know what got into Santa this year, but I do think all the strings that are (and will be) attached to those i-touches might subdue some of the kid's giddiness, and make Santa feel a little better.

Aubrey just enjoyed taking pictures of herself and her friends with her new camera!

My favorite part of Christmas. . .not working a 12 hour shift on Christmas day (like last year). And just relaxing with nowhere to go in the cold and snow, or nothing pressing to do!