Christmas Eve

What a special surprise it was when we learned that Kevin's parents would be spending Christmas with us this year. The last time we had family for Christmas was three years ago, just shortly after Kevin returned from his year-long deployment to Iraq.

They had an early evening flight into Dallas, so we curtailed a few of our normal Christmas Eve activities due to time constraints. We of course didn't mind at all, because having Grandma and Grandpa with us was the best gift of all. We love you guys!

The kids were able to open one gift each. Of course it was their matching Christmas pj's. Don't worry, Ava had a pair as well, but she was already dreaming of sugar plums.

Lauren pleading for "one more cookie". Of course I said, "Yes". It's Christmas Eve after all.

Our Christmas Eve Tradition of decorating sugar cookies for Santa Clause. Looks as though someone is sampling more cookies than he is decorating.

Cookies for Santa. We hope he likes them! Not pictured is the healthy snack of cherry tomatoes that Kaden also remembered to set out for Santa. Who says that P.E. teachers don't have an influence over their students?

We couldn't forget the reindeer. So outside we went to sprinkle highly nutritious reindeer food on the grass so Donner and Blitzen could keep their energy up. Oatmeal mixed with glitter can do wonders for a weary reindeer.

Then finally to bed at last, but not before Kaden and Lauren serenaded us all with a few Christmas carols before warily, but blissfully climbing into bed.