Christmas Eve 2008

Christmas Eve was a jam-packed, making list, so much to do, no room to breathe, go go go, kind of day. First the girls and I spent the morning together while Daddy ran out to do some last minute errand running/shopping. Then it was mom's turn. I had two gifts to return and a couple of items to get at the grocery store. When I got home a friend and his daughter dropped by and they all went up to the playground to run off some energy and get sand for our luminaries. That cleared the house for me to wrap stocking gifts and a few other items to check off my list. After lunch the girls napped and I laid down for what would be my last moment of peace for 48 hours. It only lasted about 10 minutes since I had so many things running through my head that I finally had to get up and make another list.
Gran, Pop, and Uncle B arrived and the girls were delighted to see them. We spent the rest of the afternoon making cookies, getting dressed for church, and setting up the luminaries (Our neighborhood does this every year. Each house lines their yard with luminaries and the whole neighborhood is lit up. It is so beautiful at night.)
Then we all went to church for the Eve service and came back to start our bon fire/hot dog roast/hay ride party. We had invited our friends the Weavers and our neighbors to join us in this festive occasion. Aunt Joni came just in time too. We had a great time sitting by the fire pit and eating our dogs. Then Jay got the trailer set up to ride us around the neighborhood. We loaded up and had the best time looking at the lights and singing carols.
After we got back Mr. Mark read the story to What God Wants for Christmas and the kids helped set up the nativity. When they left Katie Jo opened her Christmas Eve gift, PJ's (don't worry, Georgia got hers too before she went to bed)! Then Katie Jo went out and spread the reindeer sprinkle dust in the yard and we laid out Santa's cookies. All items were checked off the list! Off to bed with sugar plums dancing in their head.

Dinner with friends

On the Tuesday before Christmas Jay and I went out to eat with some good friends for a night away from all the chaos. We had decided a couple of weeks ago that it would be such fun to get all dressed up and go out to get away from the rush of the holidays. It was such a good time and was so relaxing to just go out to eat, have good conversation and LAUGH! I think we'll do this again next year!

Kayci and I

Me and Jay

Kayci and Mark

Ben and Dina

Christmas with Grandaddy, Grandmother and family

On Sunday after church we went over to Jay's Grandmother's house to celebrate with Grandaddy, Grandmother, Aunt Joni, Carey, Joan, and Carey Jr. We had a big lunch together and then had a great afternoon of playing and hanging out. We opened gifts from Grandaddy and Mema after lunch. Katie Jo got a beautiful Belle doll and Georgia got a super cute Cabbage Patch baby doll. Cousin Lee and Brandon came over later and Katie Jo had a blast playing computer games with Brandon, thankfully with the assistance of Aunt Linda. We had a very good time and left late that afternoon to head back to Summerville.

Sunday church before Christmas

On Sunday morning we went to church at Wellford with Mia, Gran, and Pop. We took a few pics beforehand in our finery. The family picture was super terrific until you see that KJ's eyes are closed. Oh well, better luck next year!

Christmas with Gran and Pop

Saturday afternoon after naps we celebrated Christmas with Gran, Pop, Uncle Brian, Mama, Papa, Cousin Sarah and baby Sophia, Cousin Erin and her husband Carlos. It was a lot of fun as we played in the garage and cooked Lowcountry Boil. Katie Jo got a Backyardigans Memory game from Mama and Papa that she loves and Georgia got twin baby dolls to play with. It was such fun watching the girls play with their cousin, Sophia and the food was delish!

Christmas with Mia

The weekend before Christmas we went home to Lyman to celebrate Christmas with our families. I am posting one group at a time so as not to overwhelm my fellow bloggers.

Our first stop was Mia's on Friday nite to celebrate with G$, TaTa and Astra. We had a great time eating a wonderful meal and opening our gifts. Katie Jo's favorite was her baby doll from G$ with all the outfits and Georgia's was the remote control dog from Ta Ta and family. The two of them loved the books G$ gave them with Velcro animal masks.

Saturday morning we had Christmas with Mia. Katie Jo LOVED the guitar she got that is just like Maria's from The Sound of Music. Georgia loved her Raggedy Anne and Andy dolls.

The pics are out of order but you'll get the idea.

Saturday Morning shots

Friday night shots