Christmas Eve

We had one extended family get together on Sunday afternoon, the 23rd, but I didn't get any pictures. Jacob was late because of an Christmas program, so I was busy with the kids and snapping pictures didn't even cross my mind. :-/

Anyway, we had our little family's Christmas on Christmas Eve morning. I ended up staying up until 3am to finish Lily's quiet book, but it was so worth it! 

A few details before I get to the pictures. You may notice the lack of Christmas decorations - our Christmas was pretty simple this year - we put wreaths on the doors and strung all our Christmas cards up so the kids could look at them, and of course we pulled out our Christmas books that stay put away all year. We didn't have a tree though. We've always gotten a real tree and this year we just didn't have the extra $25 for it. It was really ok. We enjoyed the beautiful trees at our family and friends homes. Also, we don't do a lot of gifts for our kids because of the outpouring from both extended families. Our tradition has been 3 presents each. 

Levi got his quiet book, a vacuum, and a puzzle.

Lily got her quiet book, a musical instrument set (harmonica, tambourine, etc), and an American Girl book. (She loves for me to read them to her)

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Asher got a dump truck, a light up musical toy, and new batteries put in the Leap Pad learning table. :)

Jacob had taken Lily and Levi (at separate times) to the Dollar Tree to pick out gifts for each other, Asher, me, and a couple friends from church. The kids and I had picked up a few little things for Jacob too. Lily and Levi had the best time giving each other and mama and daddy the presents they had bought for them.

Levi was obsessed with his vacuum. It was seriously his favorite thing this Christmas! It did not leave his side for several days. The awesome thing is that I got it at a consignment sale for $2!

Levi playing with his quiet book.

Lily talking on her quiet book "iPhone"

After eating breakfast and getting ready, we headed out to my extended family's get together.

We enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner, then a time of Scripture reading and prayer, and then exchanging gifts and playing dirty santa. It was fun!

Lily and Levi with their cousin Ashlyn.

We went home for quick naps, food prep, and gift wrapping before going to Jacob's immediate family get together. Yes, Levi wanted to sleep with his vacuum. 

Lily playing with her new silly putty.

Levi and Grandpa reading the Christmas Story.

I didn't get many pictures this time either - none of Asher! :( He's a bigtime mama's boy right now, so I guess he was sitting in my lap the whole time while I snapped pictures. Oh well. The kids were super exhausted by the time the evening was over. It was such a wonderful, fun, and tiring day!