Christmas Eve

My very favorite night of the year was finally here!  Christmas Eve.

Perfect stairsteps, all ready for church.

LP Firewheel photo op--love it!

My parents and Madison arrived shortly after we did, and all looked fantastic.

Jackson's friend, Gavin, brought his parents and met us there as well.

It was a beautiful service and we sang Silent Night at the end.  I will treasure this sweet picture of my parents with Madison and Lila for years to come.

The best surprise of the night was seeing Amanda and Joe!  They had just made it into town and were leaving the next afternoon for an ACU basketball game.  It made my heart happy to be able to see my oldest friend on such a special night.

After church, we went over to Gigi and Boom's house.  We were able to relax, have a good dinner, and watch the Cowboys game.  I am always happy when I get to spend time with my mama.

The kids were pumped to be able to start Christmas a little early this year, and who can really blame them.  It is pretty exhilarating!

Lila got clothes and a soccer toy.  Cami got slime--yuck!  But she loves it.

Her favorite toy, though, was this adorable talking dog!

Jackson got laser tag, a Manchester United jersey and a soccer toy--very fun!

One of the gifts that I was most excited about were iFLY gift certificates.  This Saturday, my dad and Maddie will go indoor skydiving for the first time!  I can't wait!

Jared won for largest box--a three piece set of hardsided luggage!

All the kids enjoyed reading the new yearbook that I made...

then the girls put on Christmas jammies that Madison had found. 
Santa, an elf and Mrs. Claus--it doesn't get much cuter than this!

We finally said goodnight and headed home.  We had cookies and milk to put out, 

reindeer to feed...

and a very big day coming up.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!

'Twas A Few Nights Before Christmas...

and we were celebrating at the Squiers' home.  They have had us over for the past few years and we always have a fantastic time.  This year, the kids got to make their own pizzas--a big hit.

Cami and Lila went first, while the big boys played upstairs.

Another bonus to being at their house is that Cami gets to play with Jazzy.  She is in heaven!

 

After dinner, the kids got to open their first gifts of the season.  So great!

I gave Julie a wine glass that says "Corks are for Quitters," because it sums her up perfectly!

After presents, they got to ice and decorate as many sugar cookies as they wanted to. 
So much icing!

We always enjoy our time with these friends.  Merry Christmas, Julie and Larry!

The next night, we were at Addison's house for a gingerbread party.  There were lots of second grade girls and all of their siblings.  So fun.

The little kids got to decorate these big gingerbread cookies...

while the big kids decorated gingerbread houses.

The dads hung out together...

and the moms did, too.  

There were new toys to play with, 

and good buddies to see.

Cami was pleased as all get out to play with the big girls.

It was such a wonderful night with great people. 

These ladies are all so sweet. All but one of their daughters used to play with Lila on the Bumblebees, so we spent lots of time together.  

We enjoyed ourselves immensely and got to bring home this adorable souvenir!

My boys:)

14 kids, in a house, two nights before Christmas.  The excitement was palpable. 
Cheers to good friends!

Celebrate

By the morning of December 20th, my girls were barely getting over the flu.  Lila was pretty tired, but she really wanted to go back to school.  Cami hadn't run fever for a couple days, but I still thought it was better to keep her with me that morning.  

We ran up to her school, gave her sweet teacher a gift and then headed for the Christmas parties at the elementary school.

First up, the 5th grade party.  It lasted two hours!  

With a different game or activity in each room, these boys were well entertained!

After an hour with Jackson, we went to see Lila.  

Lila's party wasn't near as long, but the kids had a blast.  And for the most part, they were all very well behaved--so nice!

Lila said one last goodbye to her friends and we were out of there.  See y'all in 2018!

Next up, Cami's first ever Christmas performance!  To say she was excited would be a huge understatement!  She found us right away and waved hello.  I just love it.

She sang her three songs so well.  My favorite was Away In A Manger.

And at the end, she turned, held out her dress, and posed for me.  Ha!  I love her.

Her fan club was a little smaller, due to a few more flu-casualties, but she so appreciated those who came to see her.

My baby girl.

She said goodbye to Charley and Zoey...

snapped a pic with Gigi and her siblings and then we were outta there, too.

We went home for a few hours, where I got to finally open my present from Lila. 
This adorable plate is one of my favorite gifts this season.

A little while later, the kids and I were at dinner for Memaw's birthday.  Happy Birthday to YOU!

After dinner, we went for a carriage ride at Deerfield to look at Christmas lights.  So fun!

It was perfect weather and everyone loved it.

 

It's one of my favorite holiday traditions! 
Bring on Christmas.