Christmas Eve 2009

It has been a tradition for some time now to spend Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa McCleve's house.

They feed us a delicious dinner

and then every year we act out the nativity, Grandpa reads Luke : 2

and all the grandkids dress up...

here we have Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus

{it doesn't look like baby Jesus was having to much fun}

and all our angels, wisemen and shepherds

and then Grandpa usually ends with his testimony of Christmas and I am always in tears.

The talent show is always entertaining...

We don't seem to be lacking any talent in this family, all most every grandchild had something they wanted to share. Ashlyn and Taylor arranged several different dances and included all the little kids and of course, it was adorable!

We always enjoy having Grandma Bella with us

and everyone else just sits back and enjoys the show and take lots and lots of pictures

I love all my family and each one of my nieces and nephews. It is so fun for all the cousins to be together, they love each other so much.

Ever since Austin was a toddler we have waited up for Santa's big arrival. We find a great hiding spot and get a little tiny glimpse of him inside our house. The kids know that if Santa sees or hears that they are awake he won't leave any presents! Cannon gets so nervous that he will not even come and look. He hides under the covers in Taylor's bed and waits for him to leave. It is the cutest thing ever. I'm not sure why.... but this year Cannon and Sophie decided to leave Santa some popcorn and milk instead of cookies and milk.

As soon as Taylor found out her reindeer name, she started snooping around and trying to figure out what belonged to her.

Another tradition we have continued, is to have all the kids sleep on the floor in our room and we read...

T'was the night before Christmas

I love to see the excitement in their eyes as they try to settle down and fall asleep.

and Santa is still at work, trying to prepare for the next morning.