Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve this year was a wonderful day.  We woke up and first thing opened up stockings from Grammy and Papa.  Huge hit and such an exciting time for the kids. Love this special and generous tradition my mom and dad provide for us!  After stockings, we hiked Annie's Canyon.  The kids had wanted to take Blake on this hike ever since we originally hiked it in November.  They were thrilled to show him the narrowing of the canyon and the steep hill ahead.  Even little Anna was able to push forward, despite a slight bit of fear.  After hiking we went to lunch at Panera and then prepared for our Grinch Christmas Eve with friends.  The kids were all in charge of various toddlers-- helping them to build a "who-house" and color the Grinch.  They helped me clean and organize and prepare for the party and I realized it's pretty fun to host when you have four kids willing to help you get ready for the party and clean up afterwards! Such a fun night with grilled tri-tip, aka Roast Beast and Who Pudding, Cindy Lou Salad, and Grinchy drinks among other things.  Everyone pitched in with the meal so it turned out easy and yummy.  Afterwards we had a little family night on the real meaning of Christmas and answered the question of "why didn't the Who's cry when Christmas gifts and decorations and food were taken by the Grinch?"  Cute to hear the answer from younger children.  We played pin the heart on the Grinch and had cookies and ice cream for dessert.  The best part of the night was our hilarious kids gift exchange.  A couple of the gifts had the kids in tears of anger and sorrow and the adults in tears of laughter.  One gift in particular- the Owl coloring book made numerous children weep as they would have preferred a musical instrument or a teddy bear.  So fun.  Grateful for our funny friends and the enjoyable Christmas Eve spent celebrating the real reason for the season.