Christmas Eve

Bapa and Betty brought Molly a Santa cookie from a wonderful bakery in Atlanta, Henri's. We need to work on the posed smile!

Molly begins with the presents. Her first present was princess Christmas pjs and a robe and slippers.

Molly with her new Princess flashlight from Bapa and Betty.

Molly and Aunt Catherine. Catherine brought Molly a High School Musical beanbag and the movie.

Molly and Aunt Judy.

Not many times are we all together ready for a picture. It is usually me taking pictures of everyone else. Thanks for including Mommy!!

Cookie Time!

Feeding Santa's reindeer (oatmeal and glitter--to attract the reindeer).

Will is not sure about all of the excitement. He slept through opening of presents.

Jeff and I both agree that we can't wait till next year when Will is chasing his sister around through all of this. What a bond they have so far. We can see how Will's face lights up when Molly is around.

Molly saying goodnight to our Elf, Boingy. (Please watch video below!)

We had a great night Christmas Eve. We went to the candlelight service at First Baptist in Rome, it is always a great service. After the traditional songs and scripture readings, we sing Silent Night and everyone lights a candle. It is so touching and beautiful. I get teary every year. Will slept the whole service and Molly was great too. We ate dinner with Dad and Betty and Catherine and my Aunt Judy. Molly was running around wanting to make cookies and open presents and was very excited about everything. It was a nice night for all of us. Holidays are tricky now, with two families who have come together with their own kids and grand kids, but everything worked out and it was a great Christmas. Having kids makes it great!

This is so sad it is funny! I feel awful posting it, but I had to. We were saying good night to our Elf, Boingy and telling him bye for this year. We reminded Molly that he has to go back to the North Pole to be with Santa and rest from all of his watching. This discussion led to an hour of crying about Boingy and how she did not want him to leave. She went to bed just bawling for Boingy not to leave her. We comforted her as best we could, but then we laughed a lot. She really loves that Elf!