Christmas Eve and Morning

We started Christmas by attending the Children's Mass on Christmas Eve. The school children have a program during the service, and it's very sweet.

Jackson wanted to leave as soon as we got to church. He did pretty well, despite all that. Then it was time for communion. I told Brad I'd take the kids with me so they could get a blessing, and so he grabbed the bags and waited for us at the back of the church.

Noah started crying as soon as we got in line. I was struggling to hold him and Doggy, whom he kept throwing on the floor, so I wasn't able to hang onto Jackson's hand. I think he thought we were leaving, because he took off down the aisle and into the altar area!

I signaled for Brad to go get him. It was so crowded that I lost sight of Jackson, but assumed Brad had found him and was waiting outside. Then, as I was still in line with Noah, Jackson walked by! I managed to grab him this time and hung on for all it was worth. Brad said by the time he had gotten past all the people, Jackson was gone. He figured Jackson kept going behind the altar to the lobby and went back there. I guess Jackson had gone up another aisle and back down to where I was. Little monkey!
Anyway, then the fun began the next day...though not as early as some poor parents had it! Remember these, Jen?
As usual, I did most of the unwrapping. Noah was interested right at the beginning. Then he just wanted to play.
We had presents in three stages...Christmas morning...Christmas evening when the cousins came over...and the next day when Uncle Tuan brought up presents from Rosenberg.
Here are just the morning pictures.
The kids really enjoyed their toys!
And they are already fighting over them.
Brotherly love is the best thing. Except when he's touching your stuff.
This $3 giraffe was Noah's favorite toy. Unfortunately, he's already lost it. Have you seen it?
We got lots of puzzles with animals. They're both really into puzzles and animals.
Brad is trying to teaching Jackson to use his new game. Unfortunately, his favorite button is the exit button.
Noah got a bed tent. It's going to go over the twin mattress in his room...which he only uses for jumping.
We're hoping it will entice him to sleep in a big-boy bed.
Merry Christmas!