Christmas in Review--Christmas Eve

I say it every year..... "I can't believe the holidays are over already." and this year was no exception. For some reason Christmas 2008 arrived before I was completely ready and was over much too soon. What a lovely holiday it was. Christmas Eve is so special to me. My sister and her family, my family and I, and my best friend Heidi and her family all gather together at my parents home for dinner and to exchange gifts. This year we tried a little something different. We usually have a formal sit down dinner but instead this year planned a snack dinner. My mom prepared a table full of wonderful appetizers and we all ate until we thought we would burst. In previous years when our children were smaller, I can remember how they would rush through dinner so the present opening could begin--- claiming all the while that they were just not hungry. Now that they are older, dinner has become more important to them--it is amazing how much food those growing boys can put away. Oh don't get me wrong there is still plenty of excitement over the presents. I don't think that will ever go away no matter how old they get.

My nephews, Hank and Isaac with Alex.

Heidi's children, Tyler and Jenna with Alex.

Each year Heidi and I take a picture with our boys---it is fun to see how much they have grown. Each now almost a head taller than us.

Me with my mom and my sister.

Grandma and her boys.

We had such a nice time visiting, laughing, and remembering past Christmas's. Before we knew it, it was late into the night and I had forgotten all about the gifts that still needed wrapping before Christmas morning. We all packed our things and headed for home with the anticipation of the surprises Christmas morning would bring.

I do have some pictures from Christmas morning to share with you but they were taken with my NEW camera that Santa brought and I am still learning how to upload them to my computer. Stay tuned for Christmas part two with Christmas morning pictures.......