Christmas Eve

We spent most of Christmas Eve having a quiet day at home, until the time rolled around to get ready for 4pm mass. We were running very late and arrived after it started. My poor family got all sorts of dirty looks for holding spots for us, most of which we didn't use because we were chasing a toddler and walking a fussy baby around in the narthex. Still it was a beautiful mass and homily in the parish where I grew up, so we saw lots of familiar faces and loved seeing the beautiful almost life-sized nativity!

It started pouring rain as mass was ending. Steven realized that one of the special Christmas gifts was in the bed of his truck since we had no idea that rain was in the forecast. So he and I with the now napping boys drove back home to dry it off, making a quick stop at Walmart on the way back to my parents' house for dinner and a fun evening of visiting and games. Whoa, what an adventure! And the evening was just beginning (I think I was up until after 3am) !

My 3 big kids with cousin Addison. SJ kept trying to run away; I can't believe I actually got a photo with him at least looking at the camera!


Thomas was a bit fussy after all that driving back and forth, so he spent some time being rocked and comforted by PaPa.


The girls love watching TV at NeNe and PaPa's (since we don't have TV at home). We found a special Santa Tracker station which totally fascinated Mary Clare as she watched the news program showing the cities where Santa was visiting, including one where her best friend is on vacation!


We got home around 11pm and all 4 kids went to sleep in Mommy and Daddy's bed. We usually let them sleep in our room Christmas Eve so they don't sneak out and find the presents early!
"The children were nestled all snug in OUR bed, while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads..."


And while they were sleeping, Santa came! American Girl dolls and a Bow and Arrow were the Santa requests this year and he came through! Thomas even got a Little People Nativity and Christmas board book. Poor guy didn't get a stocking though; Mama failed on that plan for stocking-making during Advent!


A picture of the fireplace for good measure, since it didn't get fully decorated until Christmas Eve! I still haven't been able to light it since the outlet is now behind the piano!


Mommy and Daddy also came through with some great (used) finds! It was going to be a fun Christmas morning...


To be continued...