ChRiStMaS eVe...

[this is part 1 of my oh so long christmas post]

Christmas was my favorite this year of any so far. We cut back on the number of houses to visit and instead bulked up on the time we spent with each family. It was a relaxed, thoughtful and simplified Christmas and I can honestly say I loved every moment.

[the above picture is what happens every time we try and take a family picture. hazel cries unless bribed with food (thats ice cream in her mouth), drew starts crying, tom won't look at the camera, and I'm just smiling away. so much for a good family photo.]

Christmas Eve began at the Dodds' where we enjoyed a feast of prime rib and later my mom, who is known for making everything more fun, made flaming coconut ice cream for dessert. Yes, ice cream on fire. Who knew?? A treat indeed. I think Hazel had about 4 bowls worth. She loved it.
We opened a few gifts and focused mostly on the kids who were loving their new toys. Here are some of the highlights...

trying to get h & m to civilly hug and smile for a picture. yeah right. (;

what's even harder? trying to get them to do it while holding a newborn.

opening presents...

hazel really wanted to show my grandpa her new hello kitty accessories
and she had to try on her new high heels of course
the first time tom has ever voluntarily smiled for a picture
my sweet kids.
until hazel said "all done" and rolled drew off her lap
...which led to one sad little baby the next time we put her near him

Then we headed to the Henderson's where we had an equally delicious feast of steak & salmon. With 9 kids under the age of 8, all bursting with Christmas excitement, it inevitably got a little rowdy at dinner and Santa had to call and remind them to be good. Total silence during that phone call. It was hilarious.
We all got some awesome gifts and the kids got matching pj's. Scott read the Christmas story from the Bible and I was amazed at how much the kids already knew. We hung out until late and it was heaven being able to just be with the family all night and not have to rush off to the next place. Plus there's nothing Hazel loves more than playing with her cousins for hours on end.

Scott & Vicki are going to need a new house soon to accomodate the whole family

Lucy & Beth loved their new babies.

all the grandkids in their new jammies. and yes will has different ones on purpose. that kid is on a galaxy quest of his own. (:
[stella is a little hidden behind lucy but she's there is hannah's arms.]