'tis the season

It's that time of year again!
We gave gifts early this year, so that during the holidays there would be plenty to keep the children busy, and so that during Christmas time we can focus on the birth of Jesus, God's gift to us. 
As the kids get older they get more aware of what is going on and this year Rowan could hardly contain his excitement. They know that the gifts come from mom and dad (not Santa or Sinterklaas) and they also knew I had them wrapped and sitting ready in my bedroom.  The day of the big event I had to go outside to do something and I came back in to find Seth and Tristan frantic to tell me about Rowan, who was under my bed "testing" a chocolate letter.  As serious as I had to be about the crime, it was actually quite funny to me as I can feel his sense of eager anticipation and extreme curiosity. I don't think he meant to misbehave, as he was rather embarrassed when I pulled him from under the bed and he quickly got the tape dispenser to re-wrap what was left of the chocolate.  Considering Abby wasn't even born last year when we did this, she sure fit in well and was excited to open her own gifts.  
It's that kind of anticipation and excitement I tried to capture.  The kids were so grateful and overjoyed with their gifts.  It was fun for Andy and I to watch them - sparkly eyes, giggles of delight, surprise and wonder.  It's what this time of year is made of.   We thank God for blessing us so.

**Disclaimer... my new camera is a kijiji find and only has one {pretty fun} lens so far, thus the focus may not be perfect on the pictures below.  Just so you know;)  I'm still trying to figure it out.