Christmas Eve

We had a great Christmas Eve.  After opening our shoes we really just baked and relaxed around the house.  Last year I was bored and really felt like we should have gone to church.  This year we did and I was so glad!  As I was sitting in the service I just kept thinking how I wished my whole family was there and wished they weren't missing out!  Next year!!!

The first ones at church!  Ready for the 3pm service.

After the service and fabulous candle lighting while singing Silent Night, we headed home to have dinner with my side of the family.  Mom, Dad, Carolyn, and Michael all came over for food, presents, and cookie decorating. 

Sarah Kathryn was the star of the show this year!  She would turn around and smile to the camera every time it was on!  She loved the little house that Gammy gave her.  We put it together a couple days later and she has had the best time with it.

Henry had been asking for a train set.  We thought that was weird since he has a few already.  Gammy never disappoints!

Bennett looooooved his new watch and Gatorade bottle that the football players use. 

Look at Carolyn's early Christmas present on her finger!  From DAD!



Uncle=excited  Henry=not excited

Neil loved his JP gift card from Dad.

Uncle Frank loved his pug Santa socks...Pops got some too!

Sissy and Mommy got matching Lilly!

Gammy and her babies

Gammy and all her babies!

Our new favorite Christmas tradition is decorating cookies for Santa.  I started this a few years ago just for a fun activity and it has really become our favorite thing.  Most everyone gets into it and tries to outdo their cookies from last year.

working hard

Some fancy cookies for Santa...tie dye (FMJ), pizza cookie (Gammy), "Santa Rocks Still" (Bennett)

plaid (Carolyn), Santa made from 3 cookies (Neil), smiley face (Dad)




We tossed out reindeer food and then hit the hay to get ready for Santa!  What magical evening!