Christmas in Litchfield

We woke up Christmas Day in Litchfield and the kids immediately had to check to see if Santa had remembered to visit them in the night. Both were thrilled to see their gifts and note from Santa, and instantly tore into the gifts.

Ethan received a Melissa and Doug ice cream set that is a HUGE hit with both of them. I highly recommend this gift for kids - it is a great toy.

The beginnings of gift opening chaos.

Santa brought Ethan an umbrella so he can play with Olivia in the rain.

We immediately set up our ice cream shop and spent the remainder of the day tracking down the scoops of ice cream throughout the house as the "shop" remained open all day.

Ethan in his Bilibo. Don't ask me to explain this toy - it is one for great imaginative play as it can be anything you want it to be. It has been fun for both kids.

Balancing a quadruple dip cone.

No, the pictures are not out of order. Once the kids opened their Santa gifts, it was time to move on to the family gifts. This year I am happy to report that Olivia did not become overwhelmed (we actually did cut down on the number of gifts, although it may not appear that way), and both had a great time opening their presents.

Ethan with his 2nd annual box of baseball cards. All guys in the family receive a box every year.

Olivia wearing her "Olivia the pig" chef hat. This is such a cute hat!

Ethan with his new remote control fire truck.

Joe's gift this year was 3 Star Wars nutcrackers...Vader, R2D2, and Yoda. To go with his Christmas Star Wars figurines, to go with his black Star Wars Christmas tree, etc.

The aftermath of the gift opening.

As a Santa stocking stuffer, Olivia received scented lotions. She instantly created a "lotion store" that she made sure everyone visited regularly throughout the day.

Olivia and Uncle Thomas playing with her new spin art toy. Everyone received art project presents from her later in the day from this great toy.

Ethan enjoying a cookie while wearing his new cape from grandma and grandpa.

Olivia with Great Grandpa Ed and his friend Marge at the "lotion store".

Ethann and grandma enjoying some quiet time.

This has been one of Olivia's favorite presents thus far...an American Girl salon chair and accesories. She spent hours doing her dolls' hair on Christmas and continues to play with it daily.

Ethan relaxing with Donald Duck. He kept everyone laughing throughout the day with his Donald Duck impersonation.