Recession? What recession?

So while we all know that Christmas is not about receiving but giving, there was certainly a fair amount of receiving presents this year.  I say it every year, but my kiddos always get way too much, and then I look at our house and it's resemblance to Toys R Us and think that we really need to start donating toys.  While we plan to have a spring yard sale to get rid of many baby items, I think in the effort to declutterize and once again get our house ready for the market, we should probably start donating a few things!

Just off the top of my head, Tyler received the following for Christmas:

1. Batcave
2. Batman figurines
3. Leapfrog Explorer game
4. Clothes/PJs/Boxers
5. Board games
6. Wrist watch
7. Step 1-3 reading books
8. Brainquest kindergarten workbook
9. Crayons
10. Transformers
11. Matchbox cars
12. Razor Scooter
13. 5 DVDs of movies he likes
14. Beanbag chair
15. Playdough
16. Legos
17. Puzzles
18. Nerf gun
19. Remote control helicopter
20. Video game controller
21. Hockey stick and goal

Ryan got the following things that I can remember:

1. Plush Elmo
2. Broom and dustpan set
3. Thomas the train toy
4. Personalized board book
5. Crayons
6. Crayola Beginnings Color Me a Song
7. Cars
8. Books
9. Clothes/socks
10. Pillow pet
11. Animal figurines
12. Toy phone (which was defective!)
13. Aquadoodle
14. Puzzle
15. Peek-a-shoe talking octopus
16. Plush Thomas the train
17. Thomas tent
18. Bean bag chair

And not to leave the parents out, Josh and I were also recipients of some fun gifts.  Josh got a few manly gifts like an air hose and a Leatherman Multitool.  He also got a fleece and a video game.  But by far the best gift was the one Tyler gave him.  For weeks prior to Christmas, Tyler said he wanted to get his daddy batman underwear.  I explained that we wouldn't find adult batman underwear and suggested we perhaps look for something else :)  But lo and behold, never underestimate the powers of Kohls, my favorite retail store!

 

It even came with a koozie and some pajama pants :)

I received a bottle of Burberry perfume, some pajama pants and cold weather wear, a new dress coat, jewelry from my boys, a lighting screen and stand for my photography, and a beautiful new watch that I've been so excited to receive!!

Many thanks to our parents and siblings for spoiling our kids :)  Now, it's time to start making piles to donate!