Christmas

Christmas Eve is always the party with Tom's side of the family. The group is getting so big that we used the church this year for the party.

We first made gingerbread houses (this is the best picture I have. Cedric spilled water all over his clothes which is why he is pantless.)

We then ate dinner and then did the Nativity. Lily was Mary (she takes the role so seriously, it's sweet) and Jeff was Joseph.

Tom and Cedric were shepherds.

Then we did the tradition of singing around the Christmas tree.

Then we did our gift exchange.

After the party the kids got to open one present, pajamas! That night the kids went to bed surprisingly well. However, at 4:30 in the morning Lily turned her light on and was ready to get up for the day. Luckily she went back to bed. I was up with the boys a few times after that, so when Lily came in a little after 7 to get us up, I felt like I was just falling back to sleep. Thank goodness I was able to take a good nap that afternoon.
Cedric was a little grumpy and didn't know what was going on. When we had the kids line up youngest to oldest, Cedric was holding his eyes shut out of rebellion.

However, once we made it downstairs and he saw all the toys, he was a lot happier.
Lily's loot...

Jeff's jackpot...

Cedric's stash...

After seeing what Santa brought and opening presents, we headed off to my Aunt and Uncle's house for the traditional Christmas breakfast. It was delicious as always, and the only time we let our kids eat cookies for breakfast. After breakfast we stopped off at Tom's parent's house for a bit, then headed home for an afternoon of play and naps. It was such a nice day the kids were even able to try out their new bike and scooters.

Later that afternoon we headed over to my parent's house for another gift exchange, then off to Grandma Great's house for dinner.

It's always sad when the busy Christmas day is over, but we were able to enjoy another party with friends on Monday and we took the kids to Build-A-Bear with the money they got from Grandma.



Today's our 11 year anniversary and tomorrow is New Year's Eve.
The Holiday's are almost at an end, but it's been a good year for us. We've been very blessed, and are mindful of the greatest gift, reason for the season, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that because of Him we have the gift of eternal life.