Christmas Eve

Growing up Christmas Eve was always our day to celebrate.  We didn't do much on Christmas Day besides a few gifts from Santa so I've naturally come to cherish Christmas Eve.  We also seem to have more traditions on this day. 

 

First thing in the morning we noticed a good-bye note from Paolo our elf along with a few parting gifts. Paolo wasn't very creative this year and I do believe he was getting tired of finding new hiding places.  I think he may have been a tad happy to leave us for a while,  just in case he forgot to move himself one night.

 

I'm not so sure you can call McDonald's breakfast a tradition when the crowd keeps getting smaller each year.  We lost the Reid's last year due to a family thing and we lost them again this year along with Steve & Paul since they both had to work.  Gretchen & I are determined to keep it going.

 Since the kids seemed to be having fun we thought we would give the McD's crowd a  break and brought the party over to our house where they could run their little hearts out and be loud.  And be loud they did, especially my children.

 Seeing this gal for an extra hour or so was just added bonus.

 Cooper & I have been working on a craft all month long.  Each day this snowman right here got a new snowball to fill up his belly counting down to Christmas.  The 24th was our last day.  Cooper wouldn't let me take his picture so he took mine.  I just love these little crafts.

 Once Cameron woke up from a nap and Steve got off work we went to his parent's house for an early dinner before church service.  We have taken a variety of family pictures in front of their mantel over the years.  This was our very first.  Cooper was 5 days old. 

 Steve's parents are selling their house and should be closing this week.  This will be our very last family picture in front of the mantle.   Such good memories.

 I love Christmas Eve service.  It may be my favorite 45 minutes of the entire year.  It's a wonderful time to sit back and take in what Christmas is all about.  It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all.  Jesus gives us so much hope in a fallen and broken world.  When I try to explain heaven to Cooper I tell him that although we may be separated for a short while one day, thanks to Jesus, we will be together forever!!!!  I will spend forever with my family and friends and there is no present that can top that. 

 

My boys were so great in church, especially Cameron.  He sat on Steve's lap and didn't make a peep.  These isn't much that can be cuter than this kid. 

 After church we headed back to Steve's parents for dessert and to exchange gifts with his aunt & cousins.  After waiting patiently all night, Cooper had to be patient once again during the reading of the Christmas story. 

 Then it was gift time.  The theme of the night was Star Wars.  Pretty much everything Star Wars related. 

 It was a late night we got the boys to bed about an hour later than usual, however we didn't forget our reindeer food and cookies for Santa.

 

Cameron was so wore out by the time we put him to bed he just crashed on me so I rocked him for a while singing Silent Night and Away in a Manager.  No doubt one of the best memories I will ever have.

 

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2: 10-11