Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent with our family. That night the Scholz invited us over for dinner and fun. 

Lily was in love with all their Christmas decorations, most especially the table full of toys and plushes that sang and danced to Christmas songs.

We also got to meet Callie and Bryce's new puppy Comet! He's very, very sweet and such a nice boy. Half lab and half Weimaraner, he's gorgeous and seemed to love all the attention. 

Eric's sister Susie was there with Ashley, Trevor and their three cute kiddos. 

Having fun with DaddyG and Grandmom.

Lily insisted on being naked.

Cole didn't move from the chair the whole time "The Polar Express" was playing. This kid...

Love our family!

After dinner, we drove to my mom's house to join Grandma Brewer and the rest of my family for our annual Christmas Eve program.

Grandma holding her newest grandbaby Austin.

Jude and Mason are such good friends. There is never a dull (or quiet) moment when these two are together!

Grant and Lily have a love-hate relationship. They do enjoy each other, but take every opportunity to torment each other. I see these two becoming very good friends.

The whole group! George had to drive to work after dinner, so he missed it.

The program consists of reading the Nativity story in the Bible and singing the Christmas hymns.

Moms and kids performance:

Our pianist for the night:

Men's solo:

After the program, Stephen read "The Night Before Christmas" to all the kids. 

We've had this nativity as long as I can remember. Grandma Brewer sewed it for us one year when we were kids. I have the same set, but haven't quite finished the stable part yet. My kids love it as much as I did and will take it out and play with the pieces.

And it wouldn't be a proper Christmas Eve without opening one gift a piece!

Laura and Tyler had a special gift for everyone:

There is significance behind this beautiful knife.

My dad had designed a pocket knife he wanted to craft and build for his father, but wasn't able to finish it after he was diagnosed with leukemia. Tyler had the plans/designs that my dad drew up and somehow managed to find a craftsman to make us each a knife similar to the one my dad had designed.

It's the Tree of Life with other aspects from Lehi's dream, like the cloud of darkness and the iron rod. The blade is damascus steel to signify the sword of Laban. My dad assumed that since Nephi was able to look at the sword and determine the quality of steel, it had to be made of damascus because of the tell-tale design that sets damascus apart. 

It is a beautiful and meaningful gift and I love it. Thank you so much, Laura and Tyler, for giving us something we can cherish and that will remind us not only of Dad, but of the promise that we will see him again. I can't imagine a better representation of Christmas and why we celebrate.