Christmas Eve 2011

     The big day is almost here.....the day we have prepared for, anticipated and are so anxiously awaiting! :)  

     I had really planned on staying in all day on Christmas Eve until it was time for church, but the three of us headed over to Louisville to visit my grandpa for Christmas.  He had been sick on and off for a few weeks so we weren't sure if we were going to have an opportunity to see him before Christmas, so when mom called we packed up the car and headed over.  When we first walked in he had a Santa hat on and C freaked out.  Ever since we took her to Bass Pro Shop to have her picture taken she has been terrified of Santa.  Definitely doesn't want to have anything to do with him. :(  Once Papaw took it off, she slowly warmed up t him and even carried his presents to him. My grandpa is 93 and is such a kid at heart.  He loves to open presents as much as any kid. :)  I wish I would have had my camera to take pictures of him in his new Kentucky wildcat hat with ear covers and strings that hung down, but I forgot it. :(  So glad we were able to sneak in a little time with him for Christmas!

     Next we grabbed a quick lunch (LOVE being off and eating Chick-Fil-A multiple times a week :), ran to get doughnuts for the morning and headed home.  Thankfully C fell asleep on the way home, which allowed us to pick up around the house before the madness began.

     About 5:30 we headed to Northside for Christmas Eve service.  We met Nick, Chrissie, Danny and Tammy (Chrissie's mom and dad) and it was SO much better than last year.  Previously we went to church on Christmas Eve Eve (the 23rd) and it was crazy crowded!!!  Chris and Nick weren't even able to sit with Chrissie and I last year (they sat on the couches in the lobby).  This year we decided to see how Christmas Eve would be and it was fabulous!  We were able to easily get a seat and sit all together.  I love being in a place that I love with some of the people I love most!  Northside is such an amazing place and has done so much to better our family's lives in the past two years.  Don't want to sound like a broken record, but we are so thankful to Chrissie for getting us there!  After church we said good-bye to Nick and Chrissie (understandably they are super busy (as are we) Christmas day and then they are headed to Florida for the week after....not sure what we will do without Chrissie for a week, but I guess we'll manage. :)

     Next we headed to my aunt's house to celebrate with my dad's side of the family for Christmas Eve.  C walked in to an already assembled Mickey Mouse tent/ball pit and well the rest was pretty much history.  She was only interested in playing in the tent...wasn't too concerned with opening any more presents or eating dinner, just wanted someone, anyone to play inside the tent with her. :)  She would run inside and pat the space next to her for you to sit right beside her to play....she is getting so big! I love her so very much! We did convince her to eat a few bites of dinner and open a few more presents, but pretty much she was consumed with her ball pit. :)  Loved seeing the excitement on her face this year....it truly is magical! :)

The best present ever! :)

Going back in....

Aunt Tammy and C opening another present :)

Back in the ball pit again...

Granny adding a little Christmas cheer! :)

Uncle T and Cammie opening the next present

It's hard to see on here, but the curious look on her face is priceless...wondering what in the heck this new toy could be

Silly girl!

Opening presents with Aunt Cindy

Opening a present from Uncle T and Aunt Cindy

     Finally, we headed home so someone could go to sleep and Santa could arrive.  She fell asleep right before we got home, but didn't stay (stinker!).  We quickly unloaded the car so we could get Cammie right back in bed.  The excitement of the day took a toll on her as she was asleep quick!  Chris finished wrapping a few presents (nothing like waiting until the last minute :) and I was "working" to make sure everything was just so before going to bed.   Can't wait until she sees what Santa left for her.... :)

Just a few of her goodies :)

After Santa worked his magic :)
(And this would be why we are moving.....we had stuff EvErYwHeRe!!! :)