Christmas morning began at 6:47am. Des wasn’t quite ready to start the day, so he lounged in mom and dad’s bed for a while, then watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas for the third time this season while the lightning storm passed. About an hour later, he was ready to shuffle downstairs and see what Santa brought. Or go get a pretzel.

All things “rocket ship!”

Des balanced being very thankful with wonder and distraction. About right for a toddler.

Eleanor slept through most of the morning activities, but woke up in time for breakfast

Desmond was most enthralled by his new train set

Assembling and reassembling, then further reassembling

After waking up from his nap at ma and pa’s house, Des was ready for round two. Proudly holding the R2-D2 ornament from aunt Megan, Viv, and Liam’s recent trip to Disney World.

The rainstorms continued, with 25mph wind gusts

More swirly, light-up toys

Ella relaxing with aunt megan

Playing with Liam’s new race cars and trying to bump each other’s riders off. “OVERBOARD!”

Back home, Des shows off his train to grandma

Ella, before everyone was just tuckered out.

A wonderful Christmas together, the first as a foursome.