Christmas Eve

For as long as I can remember my family has done a Christmas Program on Christmas Eve.

Since my family has grown we have kept the tradition but the talent has moved on to the grand kids.

This year was especially fun because we had 85% of my family here.

(Yes I did figure out that correct percentage...I'm a geek)

Starting out the program on the right foot with Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

Leilani was not a part of this number, but she felt the need to be included:)

Choreographed by our very own Morgan (the tallest:)

I had a hard time keeping from crying as I watched all of their numbers.  Some were silly and some spiritual, but I was so happy to have my family together celebrating Christ's birth and was amazed by their talents.  Brooklyn on the piano, Jesslyn on the flute, and Preston on the violin. (...and Leilani interpretive dancing)

Leilani was also feeling the spirit of the Bishop tradition so she did an impromptu act of Jingle Bells.

I think I have solidified to myself this Christmas that I am a huge traditionalist, so I always feel the need to participate:)  I sang a song too.

My Mom worked for hours and hours putting together special books for each one of her grand children.  Each book was entitled "Memories with Grandma and Grandpa" and had pictures just about that specific child with a personalized letter written to each one of them.  It was very special and they all loved them.

Oh yes!  And Santa comes every year with a bag of candy.  This year he even had one of his helpers come with him.  Eighteen kids is quite a quota to fill.

Leilani wouldn't take her eyes off of him, but stayed a good distance away.

White Elephants

We act out the nativity scene while my dad reads the story of Christ being born.

Leilani was supposed to be an angel but she would not take off her pretty dress and wanted to wear a crown so I guess she was one of the wise women.

Sweet little Angle Annie

Then of course we have to open Pajamas!

Prying the "pretty dress" off to put her jamies on was quite a feat, but she cooperated as long as she got to keep the crown.

You gotta pick your battles.

"Leilani, what's on your shirt?"

She had no idea what she was in for the next morning:)