christmas eve

• I can't believe it's Christmas Eve already.  Because of the late start to the Winter Break, it seems like Christmas totally snuck up on us.  
• I'm totally ready though, which is a first for me.  Daddy wrapped all the presents last night.  Usually I'm panicking at the last minute.
• This morning we went to visit Vanessa and Ian and Tia.  I missed their caroling party a couple weeks ago, but still wanted to visit and wish them a merry Christmas.  We chatted and sang some carols.  So fun to drop in on someone.  I miss seeing people face to face.  I've discovered that I've become super lazy with texting lately and much prefer to see people.  I enjoy the back and forth of real conversation.  
• Lila, one of Katie's friends gave you some knee high socks.  You're over the moon.  They're pretty fabulous.
• Auntie Georgia and Uncle Ben invited us over for Christmas Eve dinner.  They're so kind.  I can't imagine inviting our crazy bunch over for dinner.  The noise and the chaos must be shocking to them.  Their poor cats run and hide as soon as they hear us coming down the front steps.
• The dinner was delicious.  Ben always makes the best turkeys.  He made a Martha Stewart brine with Riesling and various herbs.  
• Everyone was feeling kind of under the weather.  It was a quiet evening.  We played some Bananagrams while you kids watched the Food Network and Uncle Ben napped.  
• Auntie Georgia prepared stockings for everyone.  You guys were so delighted with your little treasures.  Surprisingly, the mechanical pencils were the biggest hit.  Auntie Georgia is so thoughtful.
• We came home and everyone chose one gift to open.  George, you opened Lila's.  Jane, you opened Lila's.  Katie, you opened George's.  Lila, you opened Jane's.  You were all quite pleased with your gifts.  George, as I tucked you and Lila in, you told Lila, "Thank you for the nice gift Yiya.  You're so nice."  I love how grateful you are.
• LIla, you placed cookies and milk and carrots in front of the fireplace for Santa.  You carefully turned the fire off so he would be safe.  You also added a few of your chocolates that Auntie Georgia gave you because you're pretty sure Santa loves chocolate.  
• Daddy and I waited until everyone was asleep, then put all of our gifts under the tree.  I'm so excited for tomorrow morning.  George and Lila, you're at such a fun age because  you totally buy into the Santa thing.  Christmas is so magical for you.