Christmas at home...

We attended our first Christmas service ever at Hosanna!  We have been out of town for many years on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and finally made the decision to stay home this year.  It was a very low key couple of days and we absolutely loved every minute of it.  We began our Christmas celebration by attending a Christmas Eve service in the afternoon.  Larkyn loved seeing the live manger scene and the animals up close after the service.  We saw sheep, a donkey, camels, chickens, and more! 

Not sure how close she should get...

The miniature donkey...

Checking out the sights from the seats...

After Larkyn's nap, we hung out and played at home.  We made a beef roast and broccoli latkes for dinner.  After dinner we headed downstairs for a movie and popcorn night.  Larkyn loved the movie "Polar Express" and sat for at least 45 minutes of it as she enjoyed her popcorn.  She still enjoyed the second half as she brought toys from her play area to the living room and sat on the floor and watched.

After the movie, we came upstairs to set out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer.  We captured the moment on video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqktwnmD9Yg

Shea and I were both up for quite some time before Larkyn finally woke up.  I think she may have slept longer, but we woke her up at 8!  She was excited to see a new table and chairs waiting for her by the tree downstairs.

"Thank you, Santa!"

Larkyn started with her stocking-stuffers and discovered some new cups from Santa.

A new book about colors...

We couldn't go on until the cup was clean and milk was put in it.

We weren't sure if she was just overwhelmed or really hungry, but Larkyn wasn't interested in opening presents beyond the stocking.  She kind of just sat there as you can see below...

Then she just laid there...

Once Shea and I started opening some gifts too she felt a little better about opening more of hers.  What a nice girl...she didn't want to leave out her parents!

"Oooh, Minnie slippers!"

Shea loved the gift he got from Larkyn..."Cheese Head Baby!"

She wanted to give it a try too...

We had a great first Christmas morning at home with Larkyn.  If only we didn't have to rush off to Iowa around 10!  Next year we need to consider staying at home longer so Larkyn can play with what she opened.  Poor thing was whisked away after opening all of her fun gifts!