Christmas Eve

As we do every year, we went to Grandmother and Grandpas (my mom and dad) for Christmas Eve. We got there early--maybe 11 ish and I was under the impression we'd be opening presents around 1:00 or so. The plan wasn't to do that until after 4. I thought how on earth am I going to keep my two very excited children away from those presents under the tree for 5 hours!? But, we did it, without a lot of pain or complaining either from my girls. They were too preoccupied playing with Uncle Ben and Drew, jumping on the guest bed (the only place they are allowed to jump on the bed---and even that may have to get axed as Allie can't seem to differentiate between Grandpa's bed and hers at home), eating lots of cookies and watching movies that can only be found at Grandmas house. (She has an old VHS copy of Aladdin. Since it's in the vault, we don't own it yet).

We never starve and consume way too much sugar at this gathering. The result of too many good cooks, I believe. This year was no different. It just reminds me of when I was younger and came to this same house when my Grandparents lived there. My Aunt would always bring the biggest platter of cookies and candy. There seemed to be an endless supply. And it was good, too. All homemade. This year, my mother in her quest for all things natural did offer to make everyone kale smoothies. She did make her own salad dressing out of dates and a few other items I don't recall. She loves her new blender that could blend rocks if given the opportunity. I have made it my goal to at least try a kale smoothie in 2012. Right now we stick to smoothies with fruit and yogurt.

After my Dad read the nativity story out of the Bible (a tradition before we get to open presents) it was finally present time. The family is still small  enough that we go around, one by one to open gifts. The girls simply play with their last gift until it's their turn again. Of course, my four year old asked a time or two if it was her turn before it was. Audrey was so excited. This year, Santa, who visits Grandmother and Grandpa's early on Christmas Eve, left them PBK doll strollers. They are super cute and the girls were thrilled with them. They got plenty of great gifts--including a special photo book that Mom made for Audrey to go along with the song she wrote her when she was born. Audrey got a new outfit for her new American Girl doll and Allie got Bitty accessories along with several puzzles, and books and toys.

We, (myself and my brothers and now our spouses) take a picture for my parents every year  and have since 1997. In recent years we've started sending them on mini trips as their present as well.

We didn't use a photographer, just a tripod set up across the street from where we were. We took this in October for my parents for  Christmas, as part of their present. 

To my father's credit, he took all the pictures below, taken on Christmas Eve.

Allie and Grandmother

Audrey and Uncle Ben

Not to be outdone, Allie had to prove she could hang upside down too

The tree. 

Miss Audrey

smiling for Grandpa

seeing the strollers that Santa brought

All ready for bed

Sarah