Christmas Morning at the Orgills

For those of you who know my family well know that since I was 3-years-old we have had a fun tradition of having a sleepover at my grandparents' house every Christmas Eve night. We wake up early Christmas morning and head straight to the living room where Santa Claus has visited. One would think that it would be a bit chaotic since there are usually about 20 people but it is seriously so much fun and something that I look forward to each year. Santa Claus always brings 3 gifts to each child just like the Wise Men brought 3 gifts to baby Jesus. Each kid's gifts are wrapped in different wrapping paper and their stocking is in front of the gifts so the kids know which gifts are theirs. We start youngest to oldest and have one gift opened at a time so everyone can see what everyone else received. Plus this instills a bit of patience! It is a nice way to enjoy the morning and not rush through it. This method makes it not so chaotic especially since we had 8 kids receive gifts from Santa Claus this year at our sleepover. Santa Claus delivers stockings to all of the adults who attend the sleepover also.

Well this year was a bit different from the rest. My grandparents' septic tank backed up a few days before Christmas (what a Christmas gift, huh?) so not only did they not have any running water or flushing toilets, but some of their basement was unusable due to the damage. So we couldn't just cancel the sleepover. That would not be accepted by any of us! So my aunt Mindy graciously stepped up and allowed us to move the sleepover to her house. It was a bit different not having Christmas morning with the usual backdrop of my grandparents' living room in all of the pictures, but it was so nice that we could carry on this tradition and be together as a family. Isn't that what Christmas is all about - spending time with family and reflecting upon our Savior's miraculous birth.

Here is the view of the living room from above before all the action started. Santa lined up all of the adults' stockings on the couch and the kids' presents and stockings were arranged on the floor.A sleepy Evan in front of his gifts from Santa. He is going to be one clean boy! In his stocking, Evan got Thomas bubble bath, three Thomas foaming body washes, and colored tablets for the bath. Plus foam letters and numbers to play with in the tub. Rub, a dub dub!This is my cousin Parker. Isn't he darling?Lily's first Christmas and her first present from Santa Claus!Lily's first doll!All Evan asked Santa for was Molly the train so he was thrilled to get her and the train mine tunnel!My sister Stephanie and I so excited about our new piggy bank! Oh, I mean Lily's piggy bank. Since Lily didn't act excited, someone had to :)My Dad, Steph peeking her head in, Evan, and Rob cheesing it up!I am not sure who enjoys the Leapster more - Rob & my Dad or Evan!My cousins Sam and CJ very excited about their cool MP3 Shakers!My cousin Jess scored a camera!Santa must like Stephanie because she got the best game ever! Life Twists & Turns is so much fun. If you haven't played it, it should be on your "to do" list.Tyler likes to hold Lily, but only when she is asleep! Once she started to make noises he handed her off quickly! Mindi & Michael meeting Lily for the first time. They are practicing with Lily before having their own baby!My Mom loving this time with her grandkids and her family. Once his presents were opened Evan discovered that his favorite toy was my camera! He took this picture of my Grandma taking a picture of him.
And he took this picture of Rob.And Tyler. Evan is becoming quite the photographer. Next year I think we will just wrap up my camera for his present!Back at my parents' house - my Mom with her youngest two kids who have realized how good their lives are living at my parents' house and have taken an oath to never move out!!My Dad and Mom got matching ipods. Way to get up-to-date with technology!