Christmas Day 2017

Christmas Day started bright and early for the Baylys. And we were all pretty surprised to see that several inches of snow had fallen over the course of the night, the first real snow we'd had! It was a Christmas miracle, as far as I was concerned.

Once our kids woke us up, we went quietly into the living room, where Rory found her a reply to her Santa letter, and Danyn read it aloud.

Then we divvied up the presents, holding Finn's back until he woke up. We took turns opening them, with Rory starting. Rory received several Beanie Boo's, little stuffed animals that she's become very attached to, as well as just about every Littlest Pet Shop set there is.

Danyn got a lot of coloring supplies, some books, and a crystal growing kit, as well as some jewelry.

Maisie got a skateboard, a basketball, several books, and some jewelry. She loved all her presents, but mentioned how it was a little different than years past, as she didn't have anything to really play with or build. One of the hard parts of getting older, I guess.

And me, you could definitely tell where my interests lie based on my presents. I got a lot of sweaters, and a lot of books. Two of my favorite things.

I was feeling pretty proud of myself because I managed to surprise Teag this year, something that is never easily done. My brother had designed a logo for our business awhile ago, and Teag had talked about getting some shirts and things embroidered with it, but he'd never gotten the necessary file from Kevin. So I went ahead and got it, swore Kevin to secrecy, than went to a custom embroidery shop and had them put the logo on a hat, a polo, a new backpack, and a jacket that Teag had already bought for that purpose. He had no idea, and was very surprised when he opened the box.

It looks good on him! He also got some great presents from the kids, like a new tape measure, and a fun pilot shirt, as well as a sweater from me. Because, you know, sweaters.

Finn woke up shortly after the rest of us were finished, and made quick work of his own presents. He got several Rescue Bot sets, a Bumblebee Rescue Bot, some Magformers (magnetic shape building), and a Chewbacca mask that makes Wookiee noises.

His face says it all

And now for your viewing pleasure.

Teag and I both felt like we hit a home run with presents. Everyone seemed happy, everyone was grateful, and we heard thank you's given over and over again. It was a very pleasant, contented morning, made more so by the opportunity we had to go to church that day and partake of the sacrament, sing a few Christmas hymns, and spend time with family. We finished off the day by reading aloud our new book, Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library, and watching White Christmas as a family. It was a peaceful, magical Christmas, one that made me very grateful for the things that I've been blessed with.