Christmas!

Before we even peeked at our stockings, Ben called!

He's happy and funny. Goofy as always but serious about missionary work. Stefan's call didn't arrive until Dec 27th, so there was plenty of speculating and kind words from Ben, "Oh you'll be the best missionary. I wish we could be companions."

 Right on Skype, Mary opened the beautiful red wrapped box from Aunt Ruthie. My sister isn't this extravagant all the time, but she knows when spoiling is in order.

After almost two happy hours with Ben-- to the stockings!

Hansie loves his gift from Stefan-- everyone needs their own copy of some books.

Daddy babysits while Mary makes a new bed for her dollies.

Little did she know the boys were putting a bed together too. I agree with everything Tracy said on why we love American Girl dolls. 

All my little ones received gifts they'd coveted all year, so they plunked on the floor and hardly moved the rest of the day. Mary cooing over her babies while Xander and Gabe put together the Legos of their dreams.

The boys listened to the audio version of The Hobbit while assembling Hobbit Legos. And even Stefan, who regards audio books as cheating, admitted this particular audio book is INCREDIBLE. My sister's little boys have listened to it so often you can begin a sentence and they'll finish it in unison. It's a pretty cool party trick.

 

ooh, look how close Erik's getting to the end of Les Miserables-- only 300 pages left to go.

Still recovering from wisdom teeth surgery, Stefan stayed on the couch much of the day.

Where Mary could tell him all about her dolls and her dreams and Santa's magic.

I'm savoring these days, every one.