Christmas morning.

After four months of sleeping on the floor in our bedroom, James and Kate went to bed in their own beds on Christmas Eve. Rumor was that it was easier for Santa to come if they were asleep in their own beds. James was the first to wake. 4:11 a.m. Too early, James. Ben finally talked him into sleeping the rest of the "night" on a blanket by the tree. Ben slept there with him. Ben fell back to sleep while James was chattering on about all he could see from where they were laying. Santa had come! At some point, James must have decided his bed would be more comfortable because when Ben woke up, James had gone back to his bed. Kate came up and got in bed with me around 6:30 or so. She knew Santa had come, but was still content getting a bit more sleep. we all woke up with Robert around 7:00. The morning started with Ben reading a letter Santa had left for this kids. "Share your Christmas toys . . . listen better to your parents . . . you are great kids . . . James, I'm sorry I didn't bring you bricks to build a boat, maybe your dad can help you build a boat later . . . Love, Santa"

James started asking for bricks to build a boat on December 23rd. We're not sure where the idea or the desire came from. James was a bit disappointed when his Christmas Eve pajamas was not a stack of bricks. He cried when Ben read Santa's letter indicating that there would be no bricks from him. Thank goodness for Uncle Jeff who showed up later for dinner on Christmas day with a box of bricks for James. He's been playing with them off and on ever since. Now, how to build a boat with them???

Robert loved his "lot of cars" that Santa found on ksl.com for a bargain price. They cleaned up nicely. Despite his lack of understanding for the occasion, Robert was thrilled with the circumstance. Kate and James were happy unwrapping games, clothes and toys. They were also thrilled with the gifts each of them chose for the other. James picked out a stuffed giraffe for Kate. Kate picked James a "soft and warm talking cars blanket just like my Ariel blanket". Their choices for each other were among the favorites of the day. Ben got my van detailed (like new!!!) and the promise of a weekend get-away to a warm spot for our 10th anniversary in February. I got Ben gear for his upcoming fly fishing trip to Alaska with my dad and brothers in June.

Merry Christmas!!!