We spent Christmas Eve this year with our dear friends The Christensens. For Christmas Eve dinner our tradition has always to have each child select a favorite appetizer to prepare and then feast on approximately seven different appetizer. Of course, this is a lot of food that translates into a very big meal. Now when you add that to another families traditional fare you end up with even more food. So after much food and sparkling apple cider, it was time for our evening entertainment.
The kids all cast themselves into favored roles to perform the Nativity. Mary and Joseph had a bit of an age gap, but still they made it work.
We had lots of angels, a sheep, and Chandler was able to play whatever role was needed of him to keep the play moving forward (the narrator, a shepard, an animal, etc.) wearing his versatile soccer jersey.
Next the kids were anxious to open their Christmas Eve gifts. Usually PJ's and slipper, so, nothing exciting. But, the kids are always anxious to keep the night moving a long.
Heidi's dad read a few traditional stories and then we moved to the piano for some Christmas Carols. It turns out, I'm the best piano player in the bunch, so I sat down and played my best... not too many sharps or flats please AND keep it slow AND if you don't mind I may revert to top hand only during segments of the songs. Hey, maybe those few years of piano lessons from Silvia Palmer really did help.
Just before bedtime, the kids lined up in their PJ's and slippers for a photo. Not sure how many more years Ariel will continue to be taller than Chandler, but, for now she is. The kids all head up to Ariels room for the traditional sleep-over in her room on the floor. Does the night really go by quicker when you are sleeping on the floor listening carefully for Santa?
CHRISTMAS MORNING!
It's 7:00 am (the kids aren't allowed out of the room until at least 7am. Still blurry eyed, the kids wait on the stairs for the official "go" signal to run to their spots and check out their gifts and filled stocking. Mom and dad are scurrying around getting the camera's to function and the lights on.
Chandler is charged with the task of passing out the gifts under the tree christmas morning.
McKinnon was excited to get a guitar for Christmas. She hopes to be strumming away soon.
Bella was thrilled with her digital camera so she can begin to snap away at her own discretion and no more need to borrow Moms camera.
Gabby was surprised to see a cute little battery powered lavender scooter sitting by her stocking. She kept saying is it mine? Is it mine?
Ariel can't wait to try out the new snowboard and boots this week and they will certainly come in handy for the snowboarding class she is taking at college next semester!!! Yes, college credit for snowboarding!
Chandler admires a surprise lazer tag gun set and well as snowshoes and new ski poles.
Next the kids were anxious to open their Christmas Eve gifts. Usually PJ's and slipper, so, nothing exciting. But, the kids are always anxious to keep the night moving a long.
Heidi's dad read a few traditional stories and then we moved to the piano for some Christmas Carols. It turns out, I'm the best piano player in the bunch, so I sat down and played my best... not too many sharps or flats please AND keep it slow AND if you don't mind I may revert to top hand only during segments of the songs. Hey, maybe those few years of piano lessons from Silvia Palmer really did help.
Just before bedtime, the kids lined up in their PJ's and slippers for a photo. Not sure how many more years Ariel will continue to be taller than Chandler, but, for now she is. The kids all head up to Ariels room for the traditional sleep-over in her room on the floor. Does the night really go by quicker when you are sleeping on the floor listening carefully for Santa?
CHRISTMAS MORNING!
It's 7:00 am (the kids aren't allowed out of the room until at least 7am. Still blurry eyed, the kids wait on the stairs for the official "go" signal to run to their spots and check out their gifts and filled stocking. Mom and dad are scurrying around getting the camera's to function and the lights on.
Chandler is charged with the task of passing out the gifts under the tree christmas morning.
McKinnon was excited to get a guitar for Christmas. She hopes to be strumming away soon.
Bella was thrilled with her digital camera so she can begin to snap away at her own discretion and no more need to borrow Moms camera.
Gabby was surprised to see a cute little battery powered lavender scooter sitting by her stocking. She kept saying is it mine? Is it mine?
Ariel can't wait to try out the new snowboard and boots this week and they will certainly come in handy for the snowboarding class she is taking at college next semester!!! Yes, college credit for snowboarding!
Chandler admires a surprise lazer tag gun set and well as snowshoes and new ski poles.
Ahhh...the aftermath. Time for a little clean-up?
Christmas dinner is in just a few short hours, I need to make rolls, salads, side dishes, etc.
I love Christmas! In fact I would dare to say it's one of my favorite days of the year.
1 comment:
I love the classic oldest to youngest and stairs photos. My family did that as well!
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