Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve day started with a big breakfast and the kids begging to open their presents! Chris and I relented and let them open them a few hours early. They were most excited with their gifts this year.

Mira wanted an Our Generation Doll. Much like an American Girl doll, but without the $100 price tag:
Amelia was thrilled with her Tangled pajamas. It was a "Tangled Christmas" for her!
Both girls received more dress-up accessories: feather boas, masks, and fairy wings.
We were fortunate to be able to spend Christmas Eve with Chris's dad's side of the family last night. It's always a wonderful evening, full of traditions. They added a new tradition this year of finding the pickle in the tree. It's a German tradition where a small and a large pickle-shaped ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree. The younger kids find the large pickle, the older kids find the small pickle. Whoever finds the pickle first gets to open the first present.
Amelia was this years' winner for the big pickle!
Family photo:
Group portrait:
Our lovely hosts, Randy and Terrie:
We had a great time opening presents and had a delicious dinner and dessert. The kids came home exhausted, ready to fall asleep quickly so Santa Claus could fill their stockings. We have a busy weekend planned with a trip to my aunt's on Saturday, then staying at my sister's for the rest of the weekend to celebrate with Michelle's family on Sunday. 'Tis the season!