Christmas Eve...

My mom's main focus for our family is on Christmas Eve. It's nice that other in-law families don't seem to have plans that night because we all enjoy being together and establishing traditions together that day and early evening. My mom was really on top of it this year and arranged for us all to do a service project for Project Linus, an organization that provides blankets for children who are experiencing trauma from illness or other family tragedy or disruption. It was an easy thing for the kids to participate in and they did a great job tracing and coloring...even ironing. I think the quilt squares turned out so nice, and that was all we had to do, then they are turned into the local chapter and they make quilts out of them.

Emma is proud of this puppy coloring job...

Ruby was sure enthusiastic in this pic...

Chris was really instrumental in the project...

We ate a nice, early dinner that was fun and tasty...Hawaiian Haystacks or Mt. Fuji's. We used to eat that a lot growing up with the Anderson/Farmer side of the family on Christmas Eve. Back in the day when I was the "cousin" and my mom was the "aunt". Now that I'm the "mom" and my mom is the "grandma", we have had to move the larger, extended family crowd to Christmas Eve Eve. However, I like that these traditions were started by my Grandpa and Grandma Anderson and that we are doing them with our own kids. One of those is acting out the story of the Nativity. My mom made costumes last year so the kids look more official. Ruby was a "wise woman" and Hailey was a wise man.

Ahhhh...exposure improved for this shot, yay! Here are best friends (they are so cute together, it is so endearing) Carson and Jane. Sigh. They must be shepherds...see their staffs?

Alice was Mary. This used to be the coveted role, but now they all want to be Angels...

Mason was cracking me up the whole play. He was thinking he was more of a Jedi Knight with a light sabre than a shepherd with a staff.

Let it be documented that Emma and Sarah had their turn to be angels this year! :)

Or was Mason possibly a hippy with a didgeridoo?

Yes. All this kid needs is a hat and a busy street corner.

We all exchange the cousin exchange presents together on Christmas Eve before people go their separate ways. Alice got a fun cowgirl hat and Ruby got a horse drawing kit that she loves and loves and loves.

Who knows what Betsey was up to, I really can't believe she isn't in any of these pics. I guess she was probably just in Chris' arms...funny little girl. There was more Christmas Eve had by us once we got home...our first time ever being home for Christmas!! The girls were so excited! Stay tuned.