Christmas morning is such a magical time. While this year, the family was a little small (the Arizona Marlers weren't able to make it home, and the Hesemanns were both on call on Christmas so they weren't able to make it home either), it was still lots of fun. Having a little one around really adds to the excitement and enjoyment for everyone.

Ellie enjoyed opening the presents once one was started for her, but she didn't grasp the concept of it being a special, one-time-a-year event. I'm looking forward to future Christmases, and being woken up at the crack of dawn by excited little giggles, just itching to see what Santa brought.