Christmas 09

For Christmas, we decided to stay home and start our own family traditions. We really want to downplay the importance of presents in our kids and felt that this was the best way to do it. In the morning, Mark read the Christmas story again and led us in prayer before going to downstairs to open gifts. Ethan really wasn't antsy, since he had no idea what was in store. We only got each kid one gift, a few stocking stuffers, and they opened some presents sent to us from by family. It is amazing how completely happy they both were!


Hmm...what could this be? Though it may look obvious to you, Ethan walked right under it and headed for the baseball. When he finally realized this was a present for him, he was beside himself.

He LOVES basketball and the rest of the day was spent "shooting hoops" with Daddy.

Brooklyn scored some cute clothes and her first doll

Getting him to be still for a photo...not happening!


Brooklyn was perfectly happy looking at the ornaments and wrapping paper.


She did love her special present from Gigi and Pa too!


It couldn't be a Mitchell Christmas without stunts.
(I cringe when Mark does this!)

And my favorite Christmas present of this year...

Happy first Christmas, Brooklyn!