Christmas Eve

Since we were already for Christmas, we decided to take a ski day.  Shawn was really excited when he found out that dressing as Santa would get him in for free.  (The funny part about that is that we literally have more ski passes than we can possibly use this season, but getting in free was still a big deal.)  Admittedly, it was pretty fun skiing with Santa.  It was like skiing with a celebrity.  Everyone was yelling to him from the lifts or shouting hello as he skied or snowboarded by.

And we are soooo close to total independent skiing by all of the kids.  I think Shawn can just about taste his dream.

After a full day of skiing, we were off to our annual Christmas Eve celebration with Grandma Cathy and Doug.  (Unfortunately, I left the camera in the box of presents we brought home from my parents' party, so we're back to poor quality phone pictures.)

Everyone looks forward to the delicious ebelskivers, and the girls love to help with the cooking.  (I'm really hoping that some of this rubs off so that one day Shawn and I can turn over all of the meal prep to the kids.  That would be awesome.  I can dream, right?)

Samantha took a turn...

...and Amelia took a turn.  Actually, Shawn and I both took a stab at it as well.  One day, maybe we'll even make them all by ourselves.  Although, this system where Cathy makes all the batter and we just show up to pour it and cook it, is a pretty good deal.

After our yummy ebelskiver dinner, it was time to open presents,

and take some silly pictures.

Peter enjoying some hot chocolate while waiting.

Jonas, of course, unwrapped a pair of underwear from us, but also got some cool new waders and a fly fishing rod from Cathy and Doug.  (These were actually part of a late birthday present, so he got to open extra things.)

Cathy's Christmas presents are usually done in themes, so it is always fun to see  how it all ties together as each person unwraps their present.

Each of us got a new apron with our name on it, a cookbook and tools to go along with our particular cookbook.  We should be busy the next little while trying out some new recipes, making cookies and cakepops!

We always end the evening by opening new Christmas pajamas and reading The Polar Express (I think we can all still hear the bells jingling) and 'Twas the Night before Christmas.

I love these crazy kids and once again feel grateful for time spent with family and the fun of our Christmas traditions.

Home again where we are all ready for Santa's visit.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!