Our annual Christmas Eve tradition started early this year. The kids were getting sleepy from their early morning with Daddy, so we got in the car at about 5 pm to go look at Christmas lights. Our first stop was Christmas Wreath Lane, where Matthew was amazed at all the candy canes (they were his favorite, and he pointed out every single one he saw).
When we decided to go see if we could catch Santa at his usual spot, Haley declared that she had to pee. Nobody was surprised, because she has the smallest bladder on the planet. She literally almost peed in a cup on our way home from camping this summer. It was a major emergency that was complicated by heavy road construction. Luckily, there were no complications this time, as we were close to the church and, luckily, Dad has a key.
Just down the street from the church is the spot where we catch Santa taking a break from his deliveries every year. We stop and roll down the window to chat, and he gives the kids (and adults) candy canes. This year he had some elf helpers along, and he also asked us if we wanted a picture with him. When Santa asks that, you don't say "no", so we hopped out for a quick photo.
Then we were off to Grandma and Grandpa's house for some snacks, time with the great-grandparents, and opening one Christmas Eve present. The boys were completely surprised and very excited to get new Kindle Fires and some new Hero Factory guys. Grace was super happy to get her very own DSI. Matthew got his favorite character, Mader, as a pillow pet, and a new ABC puzzle. Haley got a new Ipod touch to replace the one she lost about a year ago.
Grace had fun practicing her shoe tying skills with Grandpa Kirschenmann, Matthew was very happy to have a snack, and we had four generations of girls in the house. Awesome!
And, of course, we had to stop by our favorite family's house to drop off some presents. Momma Harris was at her mother's house, but we caught Katie at home and gave her lovies. That should hold Matt until next Sunday (although I'm preparing for a meltdown at church when it sinks in that he's no longer in nursery).
