Christmas Eve

Whew! We made it through Christmas again. It is always a little tense right before, isn't it? There is always one last gift I need to run out and buy. One thing new this year is I tried to stick to a budget and I did pretty good. Another new occurrence is we had snow for three days straight and that messed up some traditions. The candle light service at the old country church was canceled due to snow and when we went to the other church service, we soon found out that it was canceled, as well. We always head over to my in-laws Christmas Eve and since they only live a mile away from us, I knew we would get there just fine (:

Here are the three oldest hanging out before we ate.
And here are the ladies chatting and preparing the Swedish meatballs, etc. in the kitchen.
The meal is eaten and the kids are going wild in anticipation for opening gifts!
Since they were all in one area, we attempted to get a photo of all seven. I thought it turned out pretty good. Even Daisy was posing for the camera.
"I need a little help here, people!!"
Cutie pie, Levi
Time to open gifts! The kids, Jon, and I received some great gifts-thanks again, everyone!


Katelyn is pretty in pink.
Here are my boys in matching PJ's-they loved matching this year.
Levi with Grandma....all partied out.
The boys playing with some of their toys.
Alaina and Kate and their new babies.
All the kids enjoying some dessert.
Clapping and happy about something....couldn't tell you about what, though.
After dessert, we headed home to get ready for Santa.

"It's about time you all got home."
We still read our three books....it definitely calms them down before going to bed.
Next, we have to get the cookies and milk ready. Santa was lucky because this year he received Haystacks (he enjoyed them very much). Jonnie wrote a note and it said something about how can he give a gift to every child.
All done and ready for Santa.
I let Sawyer sleep in Alaina's room for the first time. I thought it was going to be a mistake as he was so excited and just couldn't settle down. There was lots of giggling going on (:
Well, it was only a little over an hour and they were all out, snoring away.

Santa came and left a note for the kids. Hopefully you can read it....Santa was kicking himself when he realized he spelled alfalfa wrong. I laughed when the kids noticed right away-hahaha! Hopefully Rudolph is feeling better.He left a few presents......I think they were very good once again!
The stocking are filled and just waiting for three excited children to discover them!
Tomorrow, Christmas day!