Christmas Eve!

I really can't believe that Christmas Eve is already here! The last few weeks have just flown by. We have tried to fit in all of our yearly traditions, but it wasn't easy. The kids had fun decorating a gingerbread village this week, did lots of holiday baking and some crafting, and we went on our tour of Christmas lights. This year we sat in a long line to go through an entire cul-de-sac that was lit and set to music. It was quite a sight, and we can't wait to go back next year. Today they each got to open their traditional ornaments. I just couldn't resist buying them each two this year, since they just seemed perfect.
Zoe opened her cell phone ornament that said Luv 2 Text on it! Then Cooper opened his that was a baseball catcher that said Regional Champs, Cooper 2011.
Cooper also got a football with his name and number for the season, and Zoe got a beautiful pair of pointe shoes.

I'm not sure which one will go in their yearly collection box, but I just couldn't decide! Then they got to open up their presents to each other. Zoe got Cooper a new Beyblade toy he had wanted, and Cooper picked out lots of sparkly lotion and girly stuff for her!

We got ready, tracked Santa on Norad, and headed out to Candlelight Christmas Eve service at church. This is my favorite service of the year, and I just love listening to the Message, hearing the music, seeing the lighting of the candles, and remembering the true meaning of our celebration. Once we left church, we headed to my parents house and made it in time to catch the beautiful sunset over the ocean.
We spent the evening eating, talking, laughing, visiting, and putting on our new Christmas pajamas.


Mimi put out quite a dessert table!
We ended the night watching Elf before heading to bed to wait for Santa!