Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a very busy day. Around 11 a.m., Lance's dad came to pick him up for their trip to California. After we said good-bye, we gave Jude to my mom and George and I drove to Charlottesville.

Yes, we drove to Charlottesville on Christmas Eve. Why, you ask? Well, as it turns out, George had ordered a few gifts for his family and accidentally had them sent to our home address instead of to Ashburn where we were staying. I thought it would be such a headache to make the 2+ hour trip there just to grab the gifts and make the same drive back again, but honestly, I think that drive made this day my favorite day of the break.

We actually got to be together, alone, without any other distractions or interruptions. Those of you with kids can appreciate how truly rare that is and those of you who traveled for the holidays and stayed in a house that wasn't yours can understand why we enjoyed it so much. We talked, we had dinner together, we did a little last-minute shopping, and just loved being together. It was a welcome break from the crazy pace the holiday can be (as fun as it is!) and a chance to just breathe.

When we got back to Ashburn that evening, it was right back to where we were--George went to his parent's house to help prepare for Christmas dinner the next day and I went to get Jude from my family and participate in our annual Christmas Program. This program has it's roots way back when we were too little to even remember. You would think that with all of us being adults it would go smoothly, but the inevitable laughing, joking, and playing with the pieces of the nativity were definitely still there. 

The Calderwoods. Mason was really into it, can you tell?

Stephen, Jason, Amy, and Chad (in the back)

Mom and Glenn

Mason loving on the stuffed wisemen.

Jason and Laura playing one of the songs we sang during the program.

Our Nativity. Grandma Brewer made this set for us at least 20 years ago and it's still going strong. When we were little we would fight over who got to be baby Jesus or the Shepherds or the camel and this year was no exception.

 After the program, I ran over to the Glass's house to pick up George, but he was watching Allen because Bryce was at the ER and George's parents were watching Callie at her house. Bryce couldn't breathe but after a few nebulizer treatments he was able to come home and George made it over to my mom's house to help finish wrapping presents.

I think this picture was taken around 1 a.m. Santa hadn't come yet (thank goodness!) and we all made it to bed around 2:30 a.m. to await the morning!