Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve day was spent running around with the kids trying to pick up our last minute gifts, wrapping paper, and yeah I made the joyful mistake of needing "just one more thing" at Publix, on Christmas Eve....can we say madhouse? We made it out alive thank goodness! Headed home and the kids took a nap (although they could hardly contain their excitement knowing that we would be heading to Nana & Papa's house that night!) and while they slept I worked on some of my dishes that were to be taken to both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner.

We headed to Mom & Dad's around 6:00 PM and I dropped the kids off, then I went to Lowes to pick up Alex from work (yes, we are still doing the one car thing). We went back to Mom & Dad's and had dinner. Mom decided to fix something non-traditional this year so we had Shrimp, Fish, and Chicken (for the non seafood eaters i.e. Alex & Ethan) with all the fixings. It was really good, but we had SO much food left over it was rediculous, I think Mom may have overjudged on what we would all eat!

Ashley with our "brother" Caleb. I have to say we've all enjoyed having him around this past year, Ethan absolutely loves him.

April & Jenny. This is a great photo! You guys grew up best friends and I love seeing how as we all grow into adults we can still be that way.

Grandma & Grandpa Brooks. Don't they look awesome matching! I love these two so much, they have always been there to help with anything we could ask for and they love us all so much.

Momma and me! I def take after my Daddy - you can hardly see we are even related! It's been such a joy to "grow up" and not only have Mom as my mother but also my friend.

Uncle Randy, Aunt Val, Grandpa, Grandma, Caleb, Kaley, and Kristin

The kids got to open a few of their gifts, and we also handed out the presents from us, which were family photos. Oh and of course Papa got some chocolate covered pretzels - made with much love!

Everyone hanging out in the living room.

Ethan got some pistols with targets from Nana & Papa.

I have to admit this is one cool toy and he LOVES it!

Papa had to show Ethan how to hold and aim the pistols. I'm pretty sure my Daddy is really enjoying having a boy around. He had all girls when we were little, and I know he wouldn't change that for the world, but seeing my Daddy with Ethan just melts my heart, he's such an awesome Papa and I know he and Ethan will be even greater buddies as Ethan grows older.

After Dinner and Presents we headed home to our house. Alex got on the computer with Emma and Ethan and showed them the Santa Radar. They thought that was just about the coolest thing ever, then they remembered Santa wouldn't come until they were asleep so they were begging to hurry and make the cookies and milk so they could go to bed. My children were begging to go to bed? That only happens once a year!

So we made Santa some fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies.

And we also put some Chocolate covered Pretzels on the plate, as well as carrots for the reindeer. Emma had to make Santa a note and color him a picture (which I will keep in our Christmas album forever!). They were so excited that the next day was Christmas, off to bed they went and thankfully this year it only took them an hour to fall asleep which was much better than last year!