Christmas Eve

DD and Big John wrote Santa a letter and asked him to come a bit early to their house so the grandkids could open their presents on Christmas Eve. We started out the evening going to the 4pm Christmas Eve children's service at church with Deanna and Carter. Ranger and Colton had trouble staying still for the service so Grant and Big John hung with them in the back of the sanctuary.

After the service, we went to DD and Big John's for presents and a casual dinner with Austin, DD and Big John and the 5 of us. Cadie loved her three America Girl doll outfits including a ice skating outfit, ballet tutu and Madame Butterfly costume. Colton enjoyed the pants-free evening playing with new toys and Ranger's favorite was a pair of dinosaur cars.

When we got home Cadie very carefully put out a table by the fireplace with cookies and milk for Santa and reindeer food. She wanted me to be sure to remind Dad to turn off the fireplace so Santa wouldn't have any trouble getting into our house! The kids were tired and all went to bed really easily which was nice for all of us!