December 24, 2011 Day 24

Christmas Eve!!!!!!

Christmas Eve at our house is the same for us as it is for most people....BUSY!  But we love it.  Spending time with family is so important to us.  Christmas Eve is spent with Chris's mom and Dave.  They love to spoil the kids rotten!  We love them for it.  They are so generous and giving and we appreciate them so much.  This year was so exciting to watch.  Owen opened his presents in about 10 seconds.  Olivia was also excited, she opened hers a little slower, but she was to excited to get to the last present..which was a HUGE box all wrapped up with a big bow.  She was VERY curious.  Which in true Dave Rankin fashion, there were about 6 smaller boxes inside of each all wrapped up.  There was even some weights inside the big box, just to throw her off!! When she got to the last one it was a very small box with an IPhone 4 inside.  I think she may have had a stroke! She was so excited she could not even stand it.  Owen's favorite gift?? Besides everything?? His John Wayne gun (pretend of course) that when you shoot it the shells actually kick out!

Every year is special with the kids because each year brings something different.  But this year has been extra special because this is the first year that we are getting to spend Christmas with Chris's brother Mike.  He has moved back home from Texas.  It has been such a joy watching the kids get to know him, and truly love him.  I have been with Chris for a very long time and this is the first Christmas we will be spending with his brother.  This to me is what Christmas is all about.  We are so happy and blessed to have him home and sharing in our lives.    We are looking forward to so many more wonderful Christmas's with him.  Welcome home Uncle Mike!

 One true tradition that will carry on forever!!! Story Book Lane! We absolutely love this.  This was Owen's favorite one this year, Old Mother Hubbard.

This was Olivia's favorite one.  Tom, Tom the Piper's Son. 

Cookies and milk for Santa! Two clean kids in new Jammie's, getting goodies ready for Santa.  We read our 'Twas the Night before Christmas book and now we are all ready.

Owen putting out his "reindeer food."

Olivia putting out the carrots for the reindeer.  With a note about the reindeer food. Just to make sure that the reindeer know it is there for them.  Now, a little note to Santa from the kids, they said goodbye to "Fisbee" the elf since he goes back to the North Pole tonight...NOW off to bed......Not sure who is more excited???!!!  Cannot wait for tomorrow!