Christmas Eve

I love our the tradition that I grew up with of going to Pizza Hut every Christmas Eve.
In my home-town it is a sit down restaurant.  It is the best because on such a busy day (and usually by that night and all that's gone into getting ready for Christmas, I'm exhausted) we can enjoy dinner very simply, and have more time and energy for our special family night that evening.

Love this cute picture of my Dad and Mom.

After dinner we enjoy our time visiting and sharing stories, experiences, testimonies, and reading the story of Christ's birth from the Bible.  We always act it out in whatever costumes we can pull together quickly - usually towels, robes, blankets, and ropes.  These are not ornate costumes, but something about the simplicity of it all makes it so special. 

The true Spirit of Christmas always soaks into every part of me on Christmas Eve.  It is at that moment that all of the minor details about buying and wrapping gifts, what time we are going to church, what time we are going to open gifts, what time we are going to talk to extended family, etc. that I've, fades away.  All the quiet moments I've worked so hard to have personally and with my kids and Tyler, enjoying the Spirit of the season come together Christmas Eve. 

This guy sure is cute!

It was really great that Andrew was able to accompany us on his ukulele this year.  He did a great job!

After that it was setting out shortbread cookies for Santa, celery and carrots for
the reindeer, and a final plea for presents note for Santa.  

The kids were off to bed to try to fall asleep while the boys bonded (haha) before we
played games late into the night (bummer, no pics). 

 I love Christmas Eve!