Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was filled with many old and loved traditions and a few new ones.  Mimi, Bebe and Grandmere came over to spend the evening with us.  The kids had lots of fun playing with their grandparents and the excitement of Christmas was definitely in the air!

We had our annual Christmas Tacos and decorated cookies for Santa.

Abbie’s Cookies

Carter’s Cookies

Once dinner and cookie decorating were done, we took a drive to look at Christmas lights.  Then we came home and started a few new traditions.  Abbie and Carter sprinkled all the reindeer food they had collected this holiday season at various parties in the front yard.  Then, all on their own, they decided to go caroling.  It was so cute!  We went to two neighbors houses.  Abbie did most of the singing while Carter stood behind her and acted goofy.  Their caroling was a big hit with the neighbors!

After all the excitement of the evening, it was time to get ready for bed.  Of course, no Christmas Eve would be complete without watching their messages from Santa!

Abbie and Carter always LOVE watching their messages from Santa.  Carter even watched his twice!  Earlier in the day when Stephen was making them he asked if we should make one for Elisabeth.  At first I thought it was crazy, and then it occurred to me that the kids might get suspicious if she didn’t get one, too.  I thought Abbie might ask to see Elisabeth’s.  After watching Abbie and Carter’s messages, we were heading upstairs when all of a sudden Carter asked to see Elisabeth’s message!  It hadn’t even occurred to Abbie but Carter definitely wanted to see hers, too.  He is such a little smartie!

We took a few pictures by the Christmas tree and put our cookies and carrots out for Santa and his reindeer and then headed upstairs for a much needed rest.

Carrot Antlers

Once the kids were in bed it was time for the real work to begin.  First, I walked around the house and took pictures of all our Christmas decorations the kids made.  I love them all and they are up in various places around the house.

Here are art projects and the present Abbie made for us at school.


And sweet Carter’s Christmas goodies.

I love seeing all of Elisabeth’s Christmas decorations this year.  It is our sweet baby’s very first Christmas!

Our fireplace mantle is just big enough for all of our stockings!

Thankfully I wrapped all the presents in advance this year and none of the gifts required any assembly.  It was SO nice not to be up until all hours of the night putting together bicycles, dollhouses, tool benches, etc.  It did take me a while to make sure there was enough space (and equal space) around the tree for all the gifts.  Even though we didn’t get them that many gifts, they sure add up when you have three kids!

Merry Christmas Eve!