Christmas Eve Evening

Well, for the first time in our family's history, we had company present for our annual Sheppard's Dinner.  We gave them forewarning so they could bring the appropriate attire, and even though I'm not sure Grandpa Hoskins much appreciated the fish we served for dinner, I think it was otherwise a great success.  The kids loved seeing their grandparents dressed up and role playing with them.  Grandma McArthur was especially keen on playing her part.  All in all, I think it was nice for our parents to have a little peep into our world of family and tradition.

 

 

After dinner we got down to the business of opening the three presents of Christmas Eve:

 

First, our present that represents Christ.  This year we got a beautiful set of Children's Illustrated Scriptures.  I saw them years ago in the BYU Bookstore when I was a student at the Y, and by some miracle, there was one set left in the back of the store when we were there this summer and happened to ask.  Hopefully the kids are all ready to proceed from our board book scripture reading to something a little more advanced.  And hopefully they are old enough to understand how the scriptures are in and of themselves a representation of Christ.

 

 

Second, we opened our annual Hallmark ornament.  This year we actually had a few ornaments.  We had to replace an older ornament that got broken during our move, we got a few for my new line, (just in case we ever do get a second tree) and we also got a very appropriate Disney ornament to commemorate all of our Disney adventures as of late.

 

And third, we opened the kids' Christmas jammies.  Actually, we're on an off year so it wasn't technically jammies this year.  Instead, and after much begging on my part, we got the kids not only Christmas slippers, but also red Pottery Barn Kids Christmas Robes.  They were a bit over-priced, but they are so soft and warm and they fulfill a personal dream of mine of seeing my kids all adorned in full Christmas gear.  Now we just need a fireplace to sit down beside and the picture would be complete.

 

After donning their new robes and slippers, we took the traditional pictures of all of the kids sitting under the Christmas tree, served up a little hot chocolate and cookies, set a few aside fro Santa, and tucked the little ones into bed.  Not without saying good-bye to their grandparents though, and wishing the Hoskins a happy and safe holiday as they would be traveling home in the early morning.