Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas, starting with Christmas Eve.  There was lots of cooking going on that morning and lots of Toy Story to keep the kids occupied.  After naps we got ready to go to my hometown church for Christmas Eve Service.

We got to church early to get a seat, so after 40 minutes Sam was much too busy for church, but we were only 10 minutes into the service.  He was peeking over and under pews, laying on the floor, and hopping over the cord to the Chrismon tree.  To preserve my sanity and the experience of those around us, I had Ned take him out.  The service was kind of long and went past 6 p.m.  Then you talk to people you haven't seen in forever, so it was late when we scooted out of there to get dinner ready at my parents'.  They were even later getting out because so many people wanted to speak to my mom.  We occupied ourselves with some pictures while we waited.

After dinner it was time for presents.  Avery was excited to receive new clothes and accessories for Bitty, and both were thrilled with the Little People Buzz and Woody sets that Sam got.

It was after bedtimes before we even left and almost 8:30 by the time we got everyone into bed.  Ned and I sat for a little bit watching It's a Wondeful Life to make sure Avery was asleep.  Then we got busy.  He had assembled the train table earlier, but we still had pieces to assemble and had to get everything on the table.  Ned zipped right through while I used a picture from a friend who had already done it.  Santa finally got everything done by 10:45 but we continued to watch the end of the movie and then some of The Family Stone before heading to bed.