This year, we are spending Christmas in Australia. We promised the girls they could open presents before we left. Jim has uncertain travel expectations to India, therefore, we opened our presents extra early.
Sine the girls and I went home for Halloween, family sent us back with Christmas gifts in October. Our little tree was filled with presents.
The girls were excited to open their presents even if it wasn’t Christmas morning. We had talked about opening one present and the rest when we returned, but it is more fun to open them ALL.
Emersyn started with the biggest in size present. This was a lap desk from us. Eleri received one, also. Now, they can sit on the sofa drawing or writing.
Aunt Terri and Uncle gave Eleri a rip stick. Now, she can ride around the complex with Emersyn in the Spring.
Grandma and Grandpa gave the girls cozy blankets. They will enjoy curling up in them for weekend movie nights.
Grandma and Grandpa also gave Eleri a craft item – pop tabs making. She loves her crafts. Emersyn got the book she picked out from Grandma and Grandpa.
Mimi and Papa gave Emersyn more books, at her request. There is a reason my bookshelves are over flowing! Eleri received a Shrinky Dink Fairy Garden from Mimi and Papa. She loves the Shrinky Dinks – a good fun craft from the past.
The girls opened a combined gift together. It was paints and pens for shirts – always a favorite.
After all the presents were open as there was more than just the photos above, of course. It was on to the last big gift of the season from Mom and Dad. Emersyn had asked for a Kindle for Christmas. She didn’t think she was getting it. She had said she understood if she didn’t get the kindle as it is expensive and she would be happy with anything. Well, that anything was her own ipad. We thought spending a bit more for an ipad made more sense than a kindle. Now, she could read books, play games and watch movies on the long flights. She was thrilled! Eleri got her own ipad at 7 years old! If it wasn’t a lifesaver for me on the long flights in coach, I can’t think of why a 7 year old when need an ipad. I guess if United was a better airline and had children movies, I wouldn’t need a “lifesaver”!
Dad was busy helping them get their ipads set-up. The next task would be getting them loaded for our long flight to Australia.
It was a nice, quiet evening opening presents. It is always fun to see their expressions and excitement. Of course, not the same as Christmas morning when they come running down the stairs. However, they can still look forward to Santa’s gifts.