the night before christmas

The day finally came...the night before Christmas...the highly anticipated eve before the 25th.

Omi and Papa drove into town on Christmas Eve day. The kids always are bouncing off the walls anticipating their arrival in the driveway. It's always meaningful to merge family traditions between both sides and create our own at the same time. Omi and Papa are always so thoughtful to let the kids open a stocking stuffer gift on Christmas Eve when we're together. Miller tore right into his. It was a throw back toy, a Lite Brite. What a fun,creative gift that held Miller's attention. Here's to hoping I can keep track on all the pegs before they land in my vacuum cleaner!

Our girly girl accessorized herself with a new sparkly purse. She knew just what it was for. She's really into all things fancy so far. I was checking it out as the perfect clutch to hold my lipstick and phone. We aren't quite at the age where we can share accessories yet. And, if I decide to, you might just have to stage a purse intervention on me:)

 We got all dolled up in our Christmas best for the candlelight service at the church I grew up in. It's a tradition in my family to go to the Johnson's Ferry afternoon service as we've done for some 20 years. I absolutely love this tradition, singing traditional Christmas hymns, soaking in good teaching , communion, and singing "Silent Night" as a family to candlelight. It's what helps me appreciate Christmas in its fullest. This year we broke tradition and skipped our beloved after party. The drive was going to be too taxing on getting the little munchkins to bed on time.

 We came back home for a traditional , relaxed Fokens' family Christmas Eve dinner.  The house was cozy with lots of love from Omi and Papa & good cooking. Enchiladas & Tamales are what Landon grew accustomed  to on the night before Christmas. It's special to recreate the magic in our home too. Our little darlin' had a big time munching on chips and going back for more of course.This handsome boy will pose picture perfect with hands properly folded for me. It's getting his baby sister to sit next to him that is the challenge these days.

At this point in the evening, you could feel the electricity in the air. Four years old is a magical age to enjoy Christmas. Someone special was about to make an appearance. So with a hug and a Christmas Eve smooch,  we sent these dear ones to bed. The kiddos got all suited up in their festive PJ's ( ma and pa in their winter caps)  to settle in for a LONG winter's nap.
It's the night before Christmas.....