What a morning (and afternoon)

Just to keep all informed, Ella first woke us up at 4am. ...and back to bed we went.

At 7:30am, woken again and we walked into the living room. "Whoa!"
Our present-opening started.

We lit the tree, started some music and took a long look at what's ahead of us.

Ella first looked at her stocking(s). I think this picture captures some of the magic in her eyes, even without seeing them.Then she turned around and noticed her kitchen. I built it while she slept last night -my first for this famous parental duty, I think I was more excited for her than Ella was at first.
(pardon the dirty dishes in the sink, but this was after playing)
Playing with the kitchen seemed to last forever, but it was maybe just a hour. Adults took advantage to eat a quick breakfast (a pretend one and a real one).

We savored Ella opening her presents. She really got into it.
She would "read the tag," ..."slide my finger along the tape," ..."open the paper" ... and enjoy the present. :)
(If you haven't met or played with Ella recently, she can be very exacting, and painstakingly detail-oriented. Like during playtime, telling you which toy to hold in which hand, and how. There's a better slang word for it, but I'll save it. ...Laid-back, she is not.)

Ella opening presents was really nice, though; she was a total sweetheart to watch and enjoy it all with.

Right now, the li'l one is napping. Wasn't easy, but she's down for a nap. So, we've got Skype turned off for now, but we'll turn it back on as soon as she's up.
J&M - we heard your sweet message; you two were up late to leave that.
We hope to talk to all folks back home soon. Love you much!

Eric- posting pictures is much more enjoyable after you showed me how to resize several pictures at once. Thanks buddy.