We opened gifts throughout the day so Samuel wouldn't be overwhelmed. We also had a nice meal in the early afternoon, most of which I prepared a day ahead of time (since Allen was on alert anyway) so we wouldnt have to cook on the holiday. We just popped the turkey in the roaster that morning and pulled everything else out of fridge to heat. It was so much less stressful that way.
Thanks to Allen, who very wisely purchased a tripod prior to Christmas Day, we were able to set up our digital and video cameras so we could capture every moment on film. This will be a cherished Christmas in our family memories and I know I will treasure our footage. Here are some highlights:
Samuel could hardly contain his excitement as he came down the stairs and saw what Santa had brought. He noticed his bus right away and was smiling the whole way down - he couldn't wait to climb on! We also had a couple of gifts from Grandpa Sam unwrapped; his dustpan, broom and wheelbarrow. He held on to the dustpan the whole time and kept "dusting" the slide!
About the only thing that wasn't perfect about our day was the fruitcake I made. I prepared it two weeks earlier and basted it with rum every two days (just as Alton Brown from the Food Network instructed). Unfortunately, it tasted like it should be served at a bar in South Padre during Spring Break. We didn't feel like getting a buzz off our breakfast, so we made eggs and bacon instead.
Next, we sat down together and opened our stockings. Mine was full of all kinds of goodies including The Sims 3 for Xbox, a pair of silver hoop earrings and new make-up. Allen got a couple new movies, a Zombie dice game and some of his favorite candies. Samuel's stocking was full of lots of exciting things but his favorite things were his new books, Thomas trains and spiky light-up ball.
We opened just a few gifts under the tree before getting dressed. Samuel was especially interested in his new book from Great MaMaw, "Everyone Poops!"
After we were ready for the day we opened some more gifts. Samuel was really excited to meet his new puppy, Snoopy! He took him for a walk all over the house.
Nana and Grandpa got Samuel a copy of his favorite movie, Toy Story 3, complete with Buzz Lightyear action figure. It is the first, and only, movie he has sat entirely through in the theater (and we have tried several).
Samuel and I played "bus driver" while we waited for the turkey to finish cooking.
Of all the gifts Allen and I have ever received, this is our very favorite....
Time to eat!
Samuel wanted seconds.
Samuel wasn't quite sure what to think of Dance Star Mickey from Grandpa Sam. At first he was a little scared, but they made up pretty fast!
More books from Great Grandpa and Grandma Graham. Samuel loves when we read with him!
I got an awesome vintage style apron to wear when I'm cookin' up a storm in the kitchen. I guess I really am a "happy little homemaker" now!
By the end of the day Samuel was a pro at opening gifts. He tore the paper right off of his Radio Flyer tricycle from Aunt Julia!
After a few family pictures we took our little babe upstairs for a bath and nite-nite. He was exhausted from all the excitement! Allen and I spent the rest of the evening assembling toys and playing some of his new board games.
It's a wonderful life at the Graham house!
Added Bonus: a candid of Allen trying to position the tripod and set up the camera timer.
