on christmas eve...

we baked cookies for santa claus...

olivia and jack did a great job making rudolph cookies (pinterest idea!).

opened our traditional "christmas eve" gift...

o couldn't wait to rip into that wrapping paper.  she was soooo excited to finally open a gift.

jack was a bit slower, but just as excited.  :)

this year i did a blanket/pillow instead of our traditional pajamas.  o was thrilled that hers was owl themed. 

jack immediately snuggled under his dinosaur blanket and loved his dino pillow.

got all dressed up and went to church...

oh the bribery that took place to get this picture= jack's completely fake smile!! :)

went to the hopkin's house for an amazing meal with precious friends.  (sorry no pictures of that!)

came home and changed into our christmas pjs...

checked the chimney to make sure it was clear for santa's arrival...

set out cookies and dr. pepper for santa...

our kids have decided that santa might get tired of milk, so they leave him a dr. pepper instead.  :)

read "twas the night before christmas" and "the REAL christmas story" from the bible...

and went to bed in hopes that santa would arrive soon. :)

it was a full day and long night for santa's helpers (train tables have a million parts!!!), but i loved every minute of it.  so grateful for these years with my kids and experiencing the magic of christmas with them.

"happy christmas to all and to all a good night!" - santa claus