'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Avery and I got up and got busy Christmas Eve morning. She occupied herself while I made corn pudding and dirt cake. Ned got home mid-morning and we rested while Avery took an abbreviated nap. Mid-afternoon we packed up and headed to Lolli and Poppa's house. Avery had a quick snack there and got dressed for church. Christmas Eve service is always one of my favorites, and Avery was such a good girl. There were lots of babies and young children in the sanctuary, so that took some of the pressure off of us. We did a lot of singing, and I think that broke things up a bit for her. Her little face was so sweet while we sang Silent Night with the candles lit.

Everyone wanted to visit and see Avery after church, so we were late getting to Lolli and Poppa's for dinner. Ned, my dad, and I enjoyed the hot crab dip while Lolli and Avery found something else to eat. Once we were done eating we were ready to open presents. Avery is of course the best gift of all.



She thought it was much more fun to carry the presents around than to actually open them.



Avery was happy to open her Bitty Baby and gave her a big smooch. Bitty came with her starter kit backpack with clothes and accessories. Avery didn't want to share the bottle with Bitty. She also got books and silver bells that will be engraved with year. I have a bell for each year up until college or so, and Lolli wanted to carry on the tradition.



Bitty will be a friend for years to come. By the time I discovered American Girl, I was too old to play with a Bitty Baby. I couldn't wait to have a daughter to enjoy one though. I'm already planning what fun accessories we'll need for Bitty once Avery gets a little older.



Lily thougth she better give Ned a quick sniff to check him out.

Avery loves to back up to things or climb up and take a seat. She thought my Christmas dishes were the perfect place to do just that.

Avery was tired by the end of the night but did so well.

We packed up to head home, put Avery to bed, left our treats for Santa, and prepared for his arrival. I love that It's a Wonderful Life is on every Christmas Eve while we get our things just right.