Christmas Eve.

Yes. I posted about Christmas morning before I posted about Christmas Eve. Silly me. As usual, my family came to our house and we ate and laughed and opened gifts. The kids got to run around and the adults didn't leave the kitchen island. I love feeding my family. They never complain about what is being served and nothing is too weird to eat. They'll try anything. They aren't big meat lovers, (I'm not forgetting about my brother-in-law that is the very definition of "carnivore") for the most part they love hors d'oeuvres. Nothing fancy. Have you seen the movie "Mermaids"? The Mom (Cher) made hors d'oeuvres for dinner. That is how we grew up. It's a foreign concept the Big Al whose Mom made Sunday dinner every night of the week. We couldn't be on farther ends of the spectrum! But Alan  now sees the benefit in "snack" eating and then relishes the big dinners when they come. It's a perfect marriage.

The kids, waiting to open presents.
L-R: Matilda, Lilly, Max, Jacob, Andy(behind), Robby, Mabel

L-R: Jake, Mabel, Robby, Ollie, and Kelsey. Standing up--Alec
(Kelsey and Bob announced they are expecting!)

Bob opening his white elephant. A tiny elephant painted white.

Even though they knew Santa was their Uncle Al there is something about putting that suit on that makes kids get excited. They wanted to believe it was Santa. Mabel and Lilly didn't want to go near him.
L-R: Lucy (on Santa's lap,) behind--Max, Santa, Robby, Matilda,
L-R: Jacob, Andy, Baby Vera, held by Ollie, and Alec in the very back.

Mabel smiles when Uncle Al Santa tickled her.

My cute, pregnant sister, Shalee.

My poor sister.

My poor sister.

My sister, Estee, and my Mom, Sally.

Anyway, fun was had by all. It was a lovely evening. My poor, very pregnant sister, Shalee, had been at the hospital all day walking the halls while having contractions. We thought baby Hazel was going to make her appearance on Christmas eve. Here it is, two days later, and still no baby. Shalee is having inconsistent but persistent contractions. Fun holiday for her! We were having fun coming up with middle names for the baby when we thought she would come on Christmas..."Hazel Holly," "Hazel Christmas." But my personal favorite? "Hazel Nutcracker." I still think they should go with that. Her Dad could be assured the boys will stay away when Hazel is dating age! We love our family and are so happy they could celebrate with us!