We're like the internet version of that neighbor who still has his Christmas lights up...

Yes, it's January, and I'm just posting about the kids opening presents and such.

But, I had to as Ben and I are pretty positive that this Christmas has been our favorite one so far. :)

It all started with the decorating of the tree...

which the kids did entirely themselves this year.

It didn't matter that that there were no ornaments above ~5 ft.

Because listening to them "remember" the ornaments they loved,

or comment on "how cute they used to be" in another one

was worth every second of the redistribution process. ;)

And Christmas morning was truly magical.

First, they slept in...

slept in.

Really, who does that?

But it was the squeals of delight as they opened their gifts

that was the real kicker.

I don't know if we're enjoying it more because we like the gifts they're receiving more.

Or if it's the fact that they were really excited for each one.

It's probably a little bit of both.

But either way, we loved it.

Here they are, all calm looking and such.

 Well, at least 2/3s of them. ;)

 Let the Christmas 2010 commence!

 Now the "big" gift that the little Garates were holding out against all hope for,

were IPod Touches.

We had told them that they shouldn't hold their breath.

Confirmed that with the fact that we didn't put them under the tree

and that they opened everything with no Touch to their name.

But then Dad suddenly "found" one more gift that he had tucked away.

This is them hoping their parents are not 100% cruel. ;)

Like wrapping decks of cards to look like Touches.

Now that would've been a little funny...

The quote of the day, however, came from Miss Kennedy,

when she opened her stocking to find this eye mask...

with the tag still on it.

She yelled, "Mom, Dad, look! Santa stole this from Old Navy!!!"

Yeah, you really gotta' watch that guy. ;)

Maybe next year we'll clarify a few things about the jolly fellow.

Naah, probably not. ;)

Only 356 more days until next Christmas!!!