Christmas Eve '09

Christmas started off great! :) On Christmas Eve, I made dinner and some of the family joined us. "Uncle Stephen" (Mike's brother) came in from AZ for the holidays, so he and his girlfriend, Michelle, joined us, as well. After dinner, we went to Christmas Eve mass, which was really nice & the kids were so well behaved in church!
In the mix of it all, the kids got to begin opening some of their gifts... they got new dolls from Aunt Kelly & Sam (Princesses and Buzz Lightyear), new dogs and outfits from Uncle Stephen & Michelle, and a swingset from Memom... to be delivered in the Spring! :) Let the excitement begin!
Later in the night, Angelia handed out the gifts she purchased at the Santa Secret Shop at school. I remember doing this when I was in elementary school and loved it! :) Anyway-- she bought things for her sisters, brother, & Mommy & Daddy. She got stretchy frisbees for the girls, a squishy toy for Ant, a #1 Dad mug for Michael, and a pretty necklace with a MOM charm on it for me! OMG-- my heart melted seeing her so proud of her purchases and the thought I know she put into picking them out. This is definitely the JOY of the Christmas season... the happiness and joy of the children!