Christmas Eve

If there is one thing I have learned about Chuck, it's that he is extremely impatient when it comes to giving gifts. He has a problem waiting until Christmas day for the gifts to be opened. I had been strong for the last few days, telling him we'd wait until Christmas. But, I had a moment of weakness and gave in. So, we decided to exchange one stocking gift that morning. I received a new calendar (YIPEE!!) and he got the shirt ... 

Later in the day we picked up Zack and a few hours later we rounded out the family when we picked up Gavin and Chloe. Then it was straight to church! As a side note, I have to admit that I was rather nervous about what state the kids would be in. All the kids had a "Christmas morning" with their other parent on the 24th and I had no idea what to expect ... but I was thinking exhaustion would rank rather high. Turns out, the kids ... although tired ... were ready for their big parts in the reenactment of the nativity scene at church.  

Before the evening got started, Chloe took a moment to hang out with Papa Clint and strum on the guitar. It's been fun listening to the kids adjust to having new grandparents in their life. Chuck's parents are called, Nana and Papa and my parents go by Grammy and Papa. The Papa's get rather confusing though ... Gavin suggested calling my dad Step-Papa Clint, but that's quite a mouthful! I'm sure the names will continue to evolve, but every so often Chloe stops and asks, "Wait, what's your name again?" It's no wonder! :) 


After a little warming up, it was time to get the party started ... 

Chloe decided to be an angel and Gavin elected to play Joseph. Of course, after he volunteered for the part he immediately wanted to know who was going to play the baby. :) 

Zack chose to play one of the wise men. 

And then there was Chuck ... who graciously agreed to play the third wise man since we were a little short of kids. He walked in on his knees to a roar of laughter from the church crowd. What a good sport! 


A few more pictures before things got started ... 

And then it was time for the play to begin. Here are Mary and Joseph  ... 

And here sits Zack. I guess he decided he'd had enough of the nativity scene and sat and watched the piano player instead. He got some good laughs from the crowd, too! 

Isn't it cute!? 
Following the service we headed home. We enjoyed some hot chocolate, left cookies and carrots for Santa and Rudolph and then headed to bed. Surprisingly, the kids were all asleep by 8 p.m. :)