Christmas Eve

Our kids have never known a "quiet Christmas at home". Every year it's the same crazy, wonderful dance between extended family homes, sharing as much time with as many people as possible. It's tiring but totally worth it.

This year was no different. Christmas Eve found us bouncing around--pick up the kids from Grandma and Grandpa's house, spend some time at Grandmom and Pop Pop's house, fit in a very last-minute shopping trip, and then it was off to the Scholz's house for a Christmas Eve dinner with all of George's family plus Eric's. 

Good food, good company. Doesn't get better than that.

Lily found Callie and Bryce's huge collection of musical Christmas toys and had a ball trying to push all the buttons to make them sing and dance.

Everyone was excited to open their gift from Jen and Eric's family. They are always so generous and know exactly what the kids will love.

Thomas!

Skylanders blocks! Woot!

We missed you, Lance! He was spending Christmas in Charlottesville with his Dad and Abbey.

We cut out early from dinner so we could drive BACK to Grandma and Grandpa's house to do our Christmas program. My family has done this as long as I can remember--we read the Christmas story from the Bible, sing carols, and have a small devotional. It's a great tradition that helps us all take a break from Santa and remember why we celebrate Christmas.

Stephen's friend Corrine spent Christmas with us!

And, of course, after the Christmas program, Stephen read "The Night Before Christmas" to all the kiddos. 

We finally got the kids in bed and then it was time for the adults to get to work. George and I actually made it to bed around 2 a.m., a record, I think!