Christmas Eve

Our house is active as soon as we wake up on Christmas Eve. The party started at 12:30 so we spent the morning doing last minute clean-up. I think we were more together this year than any other I remember. It is nice to feel prepared. Each of the girls wore matching silver skirts and tops. They were so pretty dressed up. Megan loves the full skirt because it is perfect for spinning. All of my siblings and their families came as did my parents and Aunt Liz and Uncle Theo. Everyone brought food to share so we had more than we needed as usual. Heather made my Aunt Mickey's bourbon ball recipe. It is my Christmas favorite, Yummy.

After we ate the adults did a white elephant gift exchange and we ended with the kids doing there gift exchange. My girls each enjoyed shopping and purchasing a special gift for their cousin. It was also fun for each of them to receive a gift from a cousin. Bridget received Little People bath toys and immediately took the people out to play. William had picked Megan's name and was excited to give her the cool markers and huge art pad he had gotten just for her. There was a flurry of wrapping paper and happy children in our small living room. After most people headed out Megan shared her art pad with her sisters and they all drew together in the living room laying on the floor. It was a scene to treasure.

Having snacked all day I hadn't been watching what the girls ate and realized as we were getting ready for church that it would be 7:30 when we got back. Bridget brought this to my attention by pulling on my skirt. "I hungy Mommy." So I made each of the girls a tiny sandwich that they ate as they got themselves in coats. We headed to Mass at 6PM to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Rachael was very concerned on our way over if we were also going to have to go to church on Christmas and again on Sunday. The air was unseasonably warm and humid and Emma declared it felt like summer time.

As we were driving home, we all talked ourselves into opening all of the gifts sent from Colorado. We made some reindeer food (oatmeal, cookie crumbles, and sparkles) and the girls went out front to spread it in the grass. Rachael had fun throwing hers into the wind, while Bridget delicately sprinkled hers on the ground. Megan was eager to get back in to open gifts as was Emma. Jim had sorted gifts while we were outside so each girl sat at her pile. They took turns opening gifts, although Bridget did keep trying to unwrap Megan's. Emma was quick to realize that each girl was getting Christmas PJ's and a Jewelry box. She was ready to put her jewelry in it right away but reluctant to put her ballerina one out of use. The girls had a busy and fun day. Megan made sure we remembered to get Santa his cookies and beer.