He came, he came, Santa really came

After sprinking reindeer food out on Mimi and Papa Jim's front yard, Ellie and Mollie quickly scampered up the stairs and slid into their sleeping bags and drifted off to sleep after a little coaxing and a few reminders of what was to come if they would just go to sleep. The girls were asleep much faster than I ever anticipated. Annie took a little longer to drift off to dreamland and was up off and on all night. However, Santa still came and left lots of fun new toys for the Bennett Ladies. Ellie was the first to wake up, but Mollie had to be convinced to get out of the bed.

Ellie was just a bit more excited about everything than Mollie appeared to be. However, it didn't take too long to get everyone going. :) By the way, our tradition is for the kids to wait at the top of the stairs until the adults have confirmed that Santa did visit and until the adults are in place and have all cameras ready. It is pure torture.

Ellie shot down the stairs like a lightening bolt! Soon after we got the girls down to the den to check out their gifts, Kelsey joined us. Noah, Mandy, Josh, Mom and Papa weren't far behind. This was not Caleb & Stephanie's year to be with us, but they were greatly missed!

I don't think Ellie was quite sure what to look at first.

Mollie was so excited when she found all of her goodies.

Annie was so happy!

Mollie was so excited when she opened up her American Girl doll from Mom and Papa. She got "Molly."

Ellie loved her "Kit" doll from Mom and Papa.

It wasn't long before it was time for the traditional waffle breakfast cooked by Papa.

Mom and Papa laughed so hard watching the kids.

Pretty sure this is what they were laughing at! Mollie was singing the theme from High School Musical 3 and Noah was trying to sing along.

Mollie and Annie had a great day!

Annie enjoyed getting to play with Papa. However, I just noticed that Ellie had put her toy snake around Annie's kneck. Poor Annie. :)

What a great day getting to spend time with family and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!! WE are so blessed. It has been such an amazing year, and we are so grateful for where we've been, where we are and where God is taking us.