Christmas Eve Anticipation

Christmas Eve can provide some challenges to a family with young kids. The anticipation of Christmas Day and all its glorious wonders (celebrating the birth of our Savior, a visit from Santa, toys, and good food) tend to override all reason. With unbridled energy they wiggle like young pups when a stranger approaches.

Christmas Eve morning we picked up a family friend at the airport, who planned to spend a few days with us. Walter is a welcome distraction for little kiddos anxious for Santa's arrival.

With a little sadness and anticipation, we also said goodbye to our Elf on the Shelf, "Elfie."

He was good to us. I'll miss the boys running to discover his latest location in the house each morning (stumbling over each other to be the FIRST to discover him). I'll miss Justin's expression as he pulled backed the covers in bed, ready for its warmth and my snuggle, only to be asked, "Did you move the Elf?" I'll miss his "Son of a biscuit!" exclamation as he swaggered out the door to scout out a new and unusual perch for Elfie.

We look forward to your visit again next year, Elfie!

The boys played a rousing Lego racer game before we went to the local movie theater, to watch Disney's Tangled. Which we all found very entertaining and delightful for the whole family.

And while our youngest took a much needed nap after the movie, Caleb and Joshua busted out the wrapping paper rolls for a little swashbuckling action.

As night fell, and our tummies were full of delicious Chicken Tortilla soup, the boys checked, and rechecked Santa's flight path on NORAD.

And when they couldn't hold off bedtime any longer, they put out Santa's cookies, along with carrots and "deer snacks" for the Big Guy's arrival later that night. With one last "good-bye" to Elfie, the house was quiet (except for the 5 times I had to re tuck the youngest two into their beds). 



Merry Christmas!!!