'Twas the night before Christmas...

Christmas Eve has always been one of my most favorite nights.  There is just something magical and exciting about this night and the anticipation of tomorrow's blessings. After having children, the excitement is less about what I will be getting the following day, but it is more about the excitement of seeing the looks on the kids' faces when they see what Santa has brought for them.  Seeing Christmas through a child's eye is one of the greatest blessings that we as parents have.

We have always opened presents from mom and dad on Christmas Eve, while Santa brings the presents on Christmas Day.  I've continued that tradition, and the girls always have a great time opening their gifts after church.  We have also started a tradition of spaghetti dinner on Christmas Eve as well, which I'm sure one day (when they actually start eating) will come to enjoy as well. It was a great night, and thankfully, we didn't have to stay up too late (except Josh helping Santa put together the trampoline that he kept having to re-do the springs).

we let them open one present before church since they did a good job with pictures

"princesses!!"

Santa came!

Grant's pile

Alli's pile

A princess castle for Lila and Alli

Lila's pile

Santa's helper working hard