Christmas Eve 2019

Christmas eve has always been one of my favorite days of the year.  I love the feeling of excitement and anticipation.  I've always felt a reverence that day as well, I think reading and watching the nativity bring a special spirit.

We were all so glad that EJ got to come home for Christmas.

After our traditional dinner we went downstairs to watch the nativity and then Tiff read a beautiful quote from Elder Holland about that first Christmas and how special and Holy it was.

After that grandpa read the nativity while the kids acted it out.  Jonah reluctantly agreed to be Joseph and Hallee was Mary.

I think riding on the donkeys is the coveted role in the nativity.

Cute kids.

Next it is Christmas Bingo.

It's really nice that grandma plays with the kids and the adults get to play in the dining room.

Next it's the grab box.

Hallee was sad that she was blocked in the first photo so we took another one.  Everyone was happy with their gift.

And the adults.  I think I made Elijah very uncomfortable when I held his chin when he joked about someone holding back his neck. It was an inside joke from their family pictures, but I'm not sure he got it.  Oh well, he was a great sport about it!

I love watching these girls have so much fun together.

Hallee wanted in on the picture.

Cousins really do make the best friends! These girls are so blessed to have each other.

Good looks runs in the family!

Mom and dad opened a few presents that night.  They are always so generous with all of us, so it's fun to stop and have them open presents.

Caitlyn and Amarie bought grandma and grandpa these books and had each of the grandkids answer some of the questions.  They worked so hard on contacting everyone and making sure they were ready for Christmas.

They loved the books.  The kids wrote some really funny ones and some really touching ones.  It was the perfect gift for them and the perfect way to end a great night!