Christmas Eve, Simple and Sweet

Christmas came and went so rapidly this year!  It seems to go by quicker each year. Slow down, time! Please?

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve, but I didn't document it as well as I usually do. I was too busy enjoying the moment with my sweet family! I truly can't believe how quickly my kids are growing up and I want to soak up as many memories as I possibly can.  I want to remember them, exactly as they were this Christmas Eve, forever.

Christmas Eve is always so quiet for our family until the evening.  I wanted to make the entire day more fun, so we started our Christmas Eve by having some dear friends over for a visit.  After they left, we decorated our Gingerbread House and baked more Christmas cookies!

It was unusually warm this year, so we took advantage of the amazing weather and headed outside for a quick Christmas photo (or two or three)!

Grant had to work on Christmas Eve.  The end of the month is always very busy in Grant's office, but we were disappointed he couldn't come home any earlier.  As soon as he got home, we headed over to my parent's house for dinner.

My sister, Andrea, and her family joined us, along with my niece, Meagan, and her family. It was nice to spend time with them, but I'm not going to lie:  I miss our former Christmas Eves that were filled with all of our family members.  I know things change, but I really do miss how we used to celebrate Christmas Eve together! That being said, I am very grateful for the company of my awesome parents!

Our evening with my parents and family passed far too quickly (it always does), and soon, it was time to spend Christmas Eve with Grant's family.

We ate, talked, and just enjoyed being together.  The kids eagerly participated in all their favorite Christmas Eve traditions: opening their new Christmas Eve pajamas and book, getting new ornaments from their Grandma, opening gifts from their Nannie and Uncle Scott, and opening their gift from Grant and I. They had a great evening!

The second half of our evening passed by just as quickly as the first, and midnight was rapidly approaching! We gathered up our crew, drove home full of excitement, and completed our Christmas Eve routine.

The kids hung their new ornaments on the tree, put out cookies and milk for Santa, put their Santa key on our front door, threw homemade reindeer food and carrots into the front yard, tracked Santa's progress with Grant, and eagerly jumped into bed!

Despite their excitement, it didn't take long for the kids to fall asleep. They had a busy day! After the house fell silent, Santa arrived! And just like that, the house was transformed by the magic of Christmas! I was so excited for Christmas morning. Being a parent makes you feel like a little kid again!

In the wee hours of the morning, I found myself staring at the all the Christmas lights and feeling so thankful for everyone in my life. Even after all these years, the beauty of Christmas Eve still takes my breath away!

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