Christmas Eve/Christmas Morning

Since we don't live in the same town as either one of our families, we do a lot of running around during the holidays. In the past, we've gone to the Christmas Eve 3 p.m. Mass, then rushed down to Cincinnati to have dinner with my family.

This year, I decided to host Christmas Eve dinner. Wow, it was so nice and relaxing! I think this is going to be a new tradition. My parents came up after we got home from church, I made lasagna and goodies and we all just enjoyed each other!

My reindeer and tree cake pops. Hard work, but they came out so cute!

Us after Christmas Eve mass. It was longer than normal, it was super crowded and hot, but the kids were so good.

Taylor and Lanie Bear. I'm glad Taylor isn't too grown up for stuffed animals yet. :) You might recognize this dress from last year. It was too big last year, but looked adorable this year!

I really enjoyed making dinner and decorating for the family.

After dinner, we opened presents. The kids were spoiled by my parents, as usual. Michael got a cool Imaginext Dragon Castle that he picked out in the Fisher Price catalog and Taylor got the Barbie Dream Town House. She's asked for it for awhile now, but I refused to buy it. My mom couldn't resist this year! It's HUGE and darling.

He's been playing with this Dragon castle non-stop since Christmas! (Michael, not Mike.)

Taylor had the opportunity to shop for gifts at her school's Santa Store this year and I think she enjoyed watching everyone open her presents more than opening her own!


She was thrilled to give this angel candle to Grandma. She was so proud of her choice. Awwww.


My mom couldn't resist getting the Barbie car, too.

The fun task of getting the toys out of the packages...

He was soooo much fun this year!

My cute new sweater.

After seeing my parents off, we got ready for Santa. Pajamas, then cookies and milk; then, Taylor did the sweetest thing ever. She got a repeat gift from my mom and I told her we could take it back and get a different Barbie. Instead, she decided that she'd leave it out for Santa to pick up and take to "a little girl whose parents can't afford Christmas presents." It just touched my heart and made me so proud that through the whirlwind of presents and goodies, she understands what Christmas is really all about.


Then, Santa came!



I love sleepy eyes on Christmas morning. :)

He loved this pony.

Annual Christmas morning Mom/daughter picture.


What did you get, Daddy?


Sweet new sweatshirt.


Ack, the mess!

Champ got a new Christmas bed and bone. :)

After cleaning up a little, we headed to our next destination - Christmas Day in Pittsburgh! Check back later for more.

Until next time,

Mommy Kel