Christmas Eve

Several years ago we discovered the best way to celebrate Christmas with all of our kids and still allow time at their own homes on Christmas morning was to start celebrating it early in the afternoon of Christmas Eve. We enjoy eating fun foods.... Papa reading the Christmas Story to the grandkids......unwrapping gifts....going for a walk down Ohleyer Rd......attending the candlelight service together.......looking @ Christmas lights on our way back to the house.........closing the evening with a new name drawing for the next year!

When we get together............the house feels very small.........

but there is always laughter!

We love watching Papa read the Christmas story to the grandkids.

We always have someone in the kitchen...........

either cooking or eating!

Thanks, Casey for the beautiful decorative spread.

Papa & his California grandson's.........wish you were there too, Zeke!

Nana, Papa & the Calif. grandkids.

Auntie Kate started a new tradition that the kids loved!!! Bottled soda pop!

They thought that was soooooo cool!! Thanks Auntie!

A little R&R.........while reading a book on the city of Marysville

The Christmas Story

Sitting still.........hurry up Papa, we want to open gifts!!

Ahhh, finally!

Watching the kiddos is the best..........

Landon is your box really empty?

Sorry Landon, Papa has to pull a prank on one of the grandkids........this was your year! You were perfect for it!

Papa, Landon & his wheel barrow

Ohhhh the baby dolls...........

and the Aunties who help the dollies out of the box

Does the baby really wet? The girls loved it!

Then again, there's nothing like a plain old box!

Our Christmas Eve walk

Play time again

Everyone loved the Tortilla Maker that Matt & Jaime made for Matt & Cody.

Checking the computer to see where Santa is delivering next.

Time to draw names for the 2010 name swap. The grandkids are in one drawing and the older people in another. The name they draw they work at getting to know better throughout the year.....Birthdays, Christmas, Valentines Day etc. This cuts the craziness of gift giving down, and allows us to get to know each other better on a more personal level.

Here's one of the names............

Playing Wii

Tim, Casey, Landon & Claire

Brian, Angela, Hailey, Keagan, Bethany & Baby Boy

As always the day came to an end way too fast! We all had a great and look forward to out next family gathering.