Christmas Eve has always been a big event at my mom and dad's house. It is the night that everyone comes together for a big ham dinner, games, playing chimes, acting out the nativity story, finding the almond in the rice pudding, singing carols and unwrapping presents. We had so many traditions growing up and I'm so grateful that my parents continued them through the years to share with the grand kids. Living out of town has meant we have spent most of our Christmases without extended family. It was bittersweet to be in Utah this year. We were so happy to share the holidays with my family but everyone felt the emptiness of my dad's absence. My mom did an amazing job of giving us a wonderful Christmas, even through all her pain.
Poor Spencer was healing from a shovel to the face, an accident he had with some of his cousins.
It was amazing that Cooper could sleep through the party...the noise level was extremely high.
Spencer and Mikey were cast as "wise men" I am not sure why Mikey was wearing his head band across his nose, but it made us laugh.
While my dad was growing up, he received a popcorn ball and an orange as Christmas gifts from his grandpa. Years ago my parents started the same tradition and it was fun to help make the popcorn balls this year.
Lily played a part that was basically her reality...a perfect little "angel."
Aaron was an enthusiastic "Joseph"Brittany was "Mary" and Tyler was a perfect baby "Jesus."
Sterling was a shepherd...I think that was a sheep he was holding.
I love this picture! Uncle Mark-David keeps us laughing.
I got my favorite gifts on Christmas Eve, my mom had my dad's shirts made into pillows for all of us. These shirts were so familiar to us and we could remember him wearing them through the years. It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gift. She also made us each a book of photographs of him from when he was a little boy through early adulthood. We shed a lot of tears that night, we will always cherish our gifts from mom that year.
A little game that Stephen likes to play with Tyler. For a six month old baby, Tyler has some mad balancing skills.
Tyler doing what he does best...being adorable!
The new P.J.'s
2 comments:
I love that not only do I get to enjoy your great blog, but I get to steal great photos too! Thanks!
Haha...I am glad you can use the photos too. It helps that you have such photogenic children.
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