Christmas Eve and Morning 2012

On Christmas Eve we have a few rituals we attend to before tucking two very excited girls in bed.  We go look at Christmas lights, come back and throw out reindeer feed, take pictures, read The Night Before Christmas, set out milk and cookies, then the girls head to bed.

 

 

This year was no different, except we watched part of a movie before watching lights.  And one girl didn't feel well so she really just laid down the whole time while we drove around.  They were exhausted from a month of very bright Christmas lights right outside their window.  Our neighbors set up a light show that was synchronized to music.  So not only did the reflections flash against their walls for a month, there were a TON of cars that would come by and crank up their music, honk their horns, and just keep them awake. I should have put them in the guest room, but I guess we'll know for next year.  Needless to say, they were both exhausted!

On Christmas morning, the girls could not wait to see what Santa had left for them.  Yes, both my girls still believe despite many obstacles this year.  At least I think they do!  I know Camille does without a doubt.  Lillie is a little harder to gauge, but there are little things she says and does that make us think she believes.

Anyway, they woke up at 4:00 a.m.! We have an intercom system in our house that we use for Christmas morning and they have to call us before they can come out.  And they did.  But I made them go back to bed.  Then they called at 5:00.  We let them go ahead and get up, then Alex and I took naps later in the morning.

 

 (Alex's great-grandmother is rolling over in her grave with that open umbrella!)

They were thrilled with their dolls, clothes, books, and stocking goodies.  We also opened gifts from family and friends who had sent gifts or money.  They loved those too!

 

 

 After lunch at Alex's parent's house, they opened more presents!

And when my mom got here the next day, they opened her gifts to them.  But I did not have my camera out, so no pictures of that.  We still have one more celebration to do before we can officially wrap up this Christmas.  We'll have it with my brother's family next weekend since they opted to take a family vacation this year.  Yes, they are on my pooh list for that one!  But it was time to get away and something they really needed.  

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas surrounding my family and friends and lots of happy faces!