December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve morning began by sleeping in till 8:00am followed by an 11:30 brunch at our house.  We were joined by our neighbors Patti & Mike Maher and their grandchildren Sean and Bridgett.  We had a tasty sausage & egg casserole, cinnamon buns and even mimosa to start our Christmas Eve out right! We spent the day catching up and by relaxing at the house.  Mike & Dave joined all the kids on the rink for a day of ice skating.  We all had a GREAT time with eachother!

By 3pm I had the garlic roasting for the mashed potatoes and was preparing appetizers & desserts for Christmas day.  Our friends and former students of Dave from about 15+ years ago, Bogdan and Fernando joined us for a ham dinner at the house about 5:30.  We all had a great time and enjoyed the company of one another.  We didn't even have time to clear our plates and we were off to our 7pm Christmas Eve service.

Christmas Eve Service at St. Leonard Church

 

 

 

We were married at this church 12 years ago.

This was the first time in 12 years, since our wedding that Fernando has stepped foot in a church. We were glad they both were brave enough to join us!

The kids surprisingly behaved well & were quiet enough.  I am wondering how much longer I can expect Landon to wear Noelle's old purple boots and get away with it!

 

 

 Upon our return home, everyone pitched in & cleaned up.  Then we had some pie and home made Christmas cookies. The kids all wrote their letters to Santa, left out a plate of cookies and oatmeal for the reindeer.  Then Dave's brother, Rich, dropped off my mother in law to sleep over at our house.  She had been out all day long celebrating Christmas with more family.  The kids got to open up one gift before heading up to bed in anticipation for the birth of Jesus.  (Although I think they were more eager for hooves on the rooftop)

Of course our night was just beginning.  Donnie and his brother stopped by for a bit. Little did they know I was going to turn the kitchen into a wrapping station for all.  It was perfect.  I had 5 grown men all wrapping presents for Christmas day! Mom was laughing all night long saying she had never seen such a thing!  It saved Dave & I  many hours into the late night!  It was quite funny, yet so kind of all of them to stick around! I will keep you in mind for next year!

For as many handmade crafts as there are, it really is a pretty tree!