Crow Family Happenings Too: Christmas 2008

The evening started out (or I should say ended for the kids) with the traditional setting out of the Santa cookies. After evening prayers it was off to bed with the kids...and off to work for us! Like all good parents, Bruce and I were playing Santa's helpers. But our goal for the night was a little different than any year before.

Our first order of business was to set out and fill the stockings. You see this was key because the stockings were playing an integral part of the morning. The children went to bed thinking they would find their stockings hung by the foyer mantel with care. Little did they know their morning would start with Mom and Dad in their room.

We had some fun in store for the kids! We put a sheet up across the opening of the Living Room where the Christmas tree and presents were set up. We then corded off the stairs with a similar note for the kids to go wake Mom and Dad.

The Christmas morning plan was to open stockings in a cozy enviornment with everyone gathered near.

Alyssa (12) with her stocking loot

After opening our stocking gifts Santa wanted the us to go the kitchen for Hot Chocolate and Breakfast prep.

We enjoyed a cup of steaming Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Market research has indicated that Tennesse Spice Girls cocoa is better than Starbucks or Ghiradelli peppermint hot chocolate. (But we are not biased in the least!)

Austin (10) with his sprinkle resistant cocoa

Once the final drop of cocoa was consumed we followed the next step in our adventure.

The Bonus Room is were Santa left his goods for the Crow Family & Children. Santa was instrumental in completeing our "Bonus" room. He brought us a TV from Craigs List and a Wii game system. Grandparents were key in supplimenting the game system with controls and games. Thanks Mom & Dad Crow! You're the best!

The Bonus Room instructed us to play until the Missionaries arrived.....

The missionaries arrived just minutes before 7:00am! And the kids thought they would be bored waiting for them....little did the know!

Elder Carling, Elder Coronado, Elder Murff and Me

The time had arrived for the Tree to be revealed. We gathered in the foyer as Bruce took down the sheet. Mom did achieve a Christmas morning mircale. Many presents under the tree for the Crow family and the Missionaries.

One last note was left by Santa on the tree.
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