Christmas Eve Traditions

When we got home the kids hurried to get everything ready for Santa's arrival. They picked out cookies to put on the plate to leave for him, they helped mix chocolate milk (Rachel's swears that is Santa's favorite) and we put out some oats for the reindeer to enjoy as well. After everyone was in their jammies, we all settled on the couch for our annual reading of The First Christmas Story and The Night Before Christmas. I love reading these books to the kids on Christmas Eve. They love hearing the story of Jesus's birth and then the traditional story book from my own childhood. After the stories were finished, there were hugs and goodnight kisses given and then we hurried down to Noah's room where they all planned to spend the night. This also is a tradition from my own childhood - that we would all sleep together on Christmas Eve night and then we would all awaken and see what Santa brought together! It didn't take them long to fall asleep....

Christmas Eve at Grammy & Papa's House

 We celebrated Christmas Eve with Doug's family at Grammy & Papa's house. We all gathered together for a nice dinner and afterwards, the kids were all so, so excited to finally open presents. The squeals of glee were cute as we went around in a circle watching them open their presents. We all visited for a while and when it was time to go, the kids were excited to go home and get ready for Santa to come!!

Our Family - Christmas Eve 2012

We set up the camera on the mini tripod and took a quick shot before it was time to head over to Doug's parent's house. I love to capture a family shot when ever I get the chance (ie: when ever I can con Doug into posing with us!). The kids were sooo, soooo very excited and ready to go and let the celebrating begin!!

Rachel's 1st Grade Christmas Party

 I had the opportunity to go and help celebrate with Rachel and her class at their Christmas party. The kids were soooo excited to have their party and enjoy brunch together. They got to pick out lots of treats and all sat down to eat together at their desks. Rachel took oranges and candy bars for the treat sacks. There were oranges, apples, grapes, biscuits, do-nuts, cupcakes, cookies and more. They received a cute book from Rachel's friend Henry - so cute! Rachel made Doug and I an ornament for Christmas. She got to choose between blue and red and she knew red was my favorite color. It's SO CUTE! I love it! I'm so thankful I got to be there and be a part of her sweet party.

Gingerbread Cookies!

 Admittedly, these cookies are my favorite. :) I love a hot gingerbread cookie, fresh from the oven. Broken cookies welcome here. Because that means we get to eat them! Yum! The kids got the joy of rolling the dough, cutting them out and eating fresh baked cookies again. Noah was glad to join in this time too. We had lots of little gingerbread families. <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">