Christmas Eve

We all love Christmas Eve.  We love all the traditions at grandma and grandpa Ham's.

We have been praying hard that EJ would be able to come home for Christmas. We were so happy to hear that he got to come home!  Keith and I were commenting on how much we love having EJ around, he makes everything more fun!

Caitlyn spent the night at grandma's the night before.  She wanted to help grandma get ready for the party. She is so sweet.

Damon lost his first tooth!  

Everyone enjoyed the traditional dinner.

After dinner we all headed downstairs. 

Grandma read a poem and shared some thoughts.

Grandpa shared some thoughts and scriptures.

I'm impressed with how well the kids listen, even though I know they are excited to get to the presents. 

I love that sweet face!

We watched The Christ Child nativity story.  It is so well done and does a great job capturing the emotion of everyone. 

I had fun watching everyone have fun together and trying to capture it in pictures.

EJ and Ataiya are so funny!

I love this picture of Dante.

I love seeing this picture of Jen on the tree every year.

After the movie we acted out the nativity. Hallee and Tessa were excited about Hallee being Tessa's camel.

Ofa joined us that night and we awkwardly asked her and EJ to be Mary and Joseph, they were great sports about it.

I love reading the nativity every year. 

The kids are great sports about participating.

Next it's Bingo in the kitchen for the kids.

And Bingo in the dining room for the adults. 

Then it's back downstairs for the grab box.  The kids were excited with their new books or gift cards.

The adults are always excited with our gift cards.

Elijah had to work, so he joined us near the end. Jonah is always happy to see Elijah!

Mel was so happy to have her family altogether!

This year felt very relaxed.  I don't know if we weren't as rushed or I was just feeling more relaxed, but it was nice to take our time and enjoy each others company.

Mom and dad opened some presents. 

Caitlyn is always so thoughtful and generous.  She has been thinking of and shopping for the perfect gifts for everyone for a while now.

She was excited to give grandma and grandpa their presents.  They loved them.

My kids were excited to open their presents from grandma and grandpa.

They all loved their presents!

It was a great Christmas Eve!