Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, we decided to head north for the annual soup-n-supper at Grandma's house.  We weren't planning on going this year, but last minute we decided we wanted be with the whole family.  Supper was earlier this year, so we were back home before 7pm. 

When we got back home we opened all the "family" gifts.  Each kid got to open three gifts - a gift from one of their siblings, a gift from one of their cousins, and a gift from Grandma & Papa Hardy.  

For the sibling gifts, we drew names the beginning of December and then the kids earned money by doing jobs around the house or using money they have saved from allowance to buy a gift.  In the past, we had just given them money but I think it means a lot more when they are spending their money.

Sammy gave Sarah a Belle doll.

Sarah gave Sammy a Mario and Luigi toy.

Tommy gave Austin Bakugan.

Austin gave Tommy basketball cards.

Grandma & Papa Hardy gave all the kids a DVD.  It has been nice having some new movies to watch.

Sarah made this awesome hand print at preschool for Dad and Mom.

The kids also got to open a gift from their cousins on the Hardy side of the family.  And boy, they were great gifts!  The kids loved them all.

Alexis gave Sarah this ballerina outfit - tutu, butterfly wings, and a wand.  Sarah LOVES it!  She is so excited for dance to start up again next week.

Stephanie had Tommy.  She gave him some mini candy bars and a couple of rubber snakes (that looked way too real for me).

Zaiden had Austin and he gave Austin a dart board.  Pretty cool.

Abi had Sammy and she gave Sammy an art kit, which has kept Sammy very occupied.

Time for bed with thoughts of sugar plums dancing in our heads.

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped make our Christmas Eve extra special.