Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve Aunt Giselle helped the kids make cookies for Santa.

Sophia really enjoyed decorating hers.  She practically sprinkled half the bottle of sugar on her cookie and she sampled the frosting to make sure it was okay.  I am pretty sure it all met with her approval.

After dinner the kids put on their Christmas pajamas and modeled them for us.

Then Grandpa Call read "The Night Before Christmas" and the kids opened one present.  The kids were so excited to finally open presents and after playing with his toy for a little while Richie yelled, "This is the best Christmas EVER!" 

Just before bed we heard Santa's bells jingling and took the kids outside to investigate.  When we told them that Santa couldn't come to our house until they were asleep both kids got very anxious to go upstairs to bed.  Richie ran inside and to the room and Sophia kept yelling, "GRANDMA, I HAVE TO GO TO BED!!!" as Grandma was taking her picture.  

When Dad put her down she was upstairs faster than lightning.  When we went in to tuck them in Richie said, "No books, no songs!"  He was really nervous that Santa was going to skip our house because they were still awake.  We assured them that Santa would still stop at our house and they went right to sleep after we tucked them in.  They were SO excited for Santa and it made our Christmas Eve so much fun.  I love experiencing this season through their eyes, it makes it magical again.