Christmas Eve Traditions

I cannot believe the time has seriously already come for Christmas. Today was a pretty normal day until J got home from work.
Usually, we go to Dawn's to decorate cookies for Santa. But this year, Jason was really sick so we opted to stay home and do our traditions on our own. We started with Papa Murphy's for dinner. Then we followed with decorating cookies for Santa. The kiddos were sooo excited to put their spin on their own decorations.

After cookies, I showed the kiddos their "videos" from Santa. He took time from his busy schedule to send them each a personalized video. (www.portablenorthpole.com) We must have watched each one about 5 times....me and J were even good enough to receive one. Kenna was the cutest because she kept talking to Santa as though it were a live feed. Her favorite thing...each time he said her name, she'd say, "Merry Christmas to you Santa. I'm being good today." After we watched the videos, we got the kiddos in the bath and into their new PJ's....along with their new stuffed animals.

After, we looked online to "track" Santa's sleigh....and according to the map, he was almost here. So the kiddos hurried off to bed. But only after they set out cookies and milk for Santa.

I decided to feed Kodes while I waited for the kiddos to fall asleep. Annie and Allison came to visit me and what a great surprise. I'm truly lucky with such sweet friends. After the kiddos were fast asleep, I helped Santa fill their Stockings with fruit, peanuts, chocolate, and a little gift for each one...Rhett got Pokemon cards, Ry and Kenna got very cute Paparazzi bracelets, and Kodes got a waterproof book.

Then I helped Santa wrap "his" presents for the kiddos and set out their special present with their stocking.

When Santa had left, I turned out all the lights but the Christmas lights and enjoyed the quietness of the night...along with the 24-hours of "The Christmas Story" playing in the background. I just love this time of year, but more so, I love seeing the excitement through our kiddos eyes. More to come tonight....Cannot believe its Christmas!