Christmas Eve, part 2

after taking pictures, we headed off to church, which was insane.

I try and just be thankful that these people are going to church and hearing about Jesus and the reason for the season, but the madness just gets to me. Next year, I think we are going to go to Midnight Mass.

The service was nice, besides the craziness and we headed home to our 9 dish dinner (tradition courtesy of my Grandma)... Although, half of my dishes were thai take-out, which I am sure is so far away from what she did! Still, we had 9 dishes, no meat, and Max tried lots of new stuff and liked it (fried tofu anyone?) and there wasn't a ton to cook and clean up! That makes it even more enjoyable.


Leo smells some yummy thai food.


Max reading from the Bible. he was so good about this the whole month of December. He just needs a calendar, and he goes with it!



just enjoying dinner


him too...


realizing he isn't getting any food...




The tradition continues that the kiddos have to clean everything up (and they did). and then it is present time! But first, Ross got to do what he was happily waiting to do, since he heard what my dad used to do, and that is to take the dog for a VERY LONG WALK!!! TORTURE! The kids brought down comfy pillows and arranged everything and then just waited. Max was so anxious, he even called for a status update on the walk!

Max wearing the present passer-outer bracelet!


Finally, Ross and Leo came home.



let the presents begin...





this was one from Zoey to Max... she came up with the idea and made it all herself.


She made him action figures on the rainbow loom.... based sort of off of minecraft characters. They were so good!



the dog happily chewing on a bone. Actually we left a bone at my parents house over Thanksgiving and they sent it back with their Christmas packages. Leo was so happy to see that bone, it was hilarious.



Here are some of the characters.


the octopus guy, which was my fav.



more presents, and yes, Zoey lives in a different climate than the rest of us.



the kids helping Leo with his present. He loved it, but at the moment, he really loved the paper!











minion figures!


happy kid


happy other kid. This is some tool thingy from my parents. Ross is always so excited for gifts, as long as they are just exactly what he wanted! he's specific, so the wishlist is a good thing for him, but means no surprises.


the awesome aftermath...




hope you had a great Christmas!