Christmas Eve

We had a great time seeing the extended family on Christmas Eve. You are always welcomed with a big hug from Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Judy and Aunt Garolyn. There were some people missing, but it was so nice to see my husband's grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins! It had been far too long! My husband's cousin has been hosting Christmas Eve for the past few years. They have a big meal, a visit from Santa with a gift for all, passing out additional gifts for the kids, and a white elephant gift exchange for the adults. That sounds like a lot of gift giving! ;) It really is, but more importantly it is a nice time visiting with everyone.

Looking adorable for Christmas Eve! 

And of course, our 4 year old also had to pose for a picture by herself. ;) 

All the littles that were there for Christmas Eve :) 

Our 4 year old absolutely loves her sweet cousin! 

Our munchkins in front of the tree 

Love this guy! 

He was fascinated by their pet snakes! His mom, not so much! ;) 

Our niece and her Daddy with Santa 

Our 2 year old wasn't sure about Santa. Daddy went up with her too. 

Our 4 year old and Santa 

Our 7 year old and Santa. Love his face in this one!  I think he's wondering why Santa is wearing her sunglasses at night. ;)

My father-in-law did some fun editing on this one. ;) 

Our son must have wanted to make sure I wasn't scared of Santa ;) 

My father-in-law, also known as the man behind the camera, with Santa. Thanks for telling me about the RTM (read the manual) method for my camera settings. ;) I really was thankful though that he helped me find the right setting to get good quality pictures with the lower lighting.

Jim and Garolyn with Santa. She is one of the sweetest people I know. She had all of our stockings made for us that we have hanging this year. :) 

Our 4 year old was SO excited to get the toddler Ariel doll! 

Our son was probably equally as excited about his Dusty remote control plane.

Our 4 year old and Auntie Anne

Anne and I with the girls :) 

Patrick opened the gift that we got two years ago from White Elephant and put back in this year that I called "jingle bells".  Close your eyes kids! ;)

And Larry got a few rolls of toilet paper. Ha!  You have to love the gag gifts in White Elephant, unless you're the one to receive them of course. ;)

After all that excitement it was time to head back to the hotel and get the kids to bed so they were well rested to celebrate Christmas!