Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is now and has always been one of my favorite days. This year it was as well. Anytime we get to spend with family is always special. We started the evening with a short visit to church with Grandma Mary, Grandpa Mike and Uncle Matt. It was a candlelight service, and Kate held the candle for us. Cole slept the whole time in Daddy's arms. We then headed on over to Grandma Wagner's house. Uncle Gary and Cory were there too.

After warming our belly's with the yummy soup and deserts the kiddo's put puzzles together with Daddy and Uncle Matt.
Kate and Cole opened some great Christmas gifts.

Then we played some fun games, that Grandma Mary had organized, and visited. It's always a great time with family!

Next, we headed back to Grandmama and Granddaddy's house to get ready for Santa.

First Kate and Cole opened their new Christmas Pajamas.

Then they put them on. How cute do they look? Having a girl and a boy I don't have much opportunity to coordinate their outfits, so I take advantage of the situation when I can.

Next Kate and Cole sprinkled reindeer food in the yard, put a "Santa Stop Here" sign outside, set out a plate with carrots for the deer and cookies and milk for Santa. Kate also wrote a little note for Santa.Next the kiddo's climbed in bed for a couple books. First we read "The Christmas Story" about the first Christmas, then we read "The Night Before Christmas" After reading our books Cole fell asleep really fast, but Kate climbed into her bed and tossed and turned for a while before finally falling asleep after a couple hours and MANY visits from Mommy and Daddy to assure her that Santa would still come. This is the first year she was too excited to sleep, and I was hoping that since she was up so late she would sleep in a little bit. No such luck, but I'll get to that next time...