Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!

'Twas the night before Christmas....

Chloe's festive outfit made her look as cute as a button!

(and you can't even see her sparkly red pants.... they are FAB)

It is tradition for my large extended family to spend Christmas Eve together, but with deaths and growing families, this tradition has changed - but continued through the years. But this year, we really broke away from being all together. We had a delish ham dinner with my parents (thanks to St Bonnie of course). Then my parents and my little family went over to my cousin Marianne's house to be with her family.

Marianne and Rindi

Rindi and Colby

Just us

Chloe hung out with Grammy while the rest of us played spoons....

Sunni, Marianne and Dad

They look like nice people, but watch out..... they're competitive!

Chairs were flying, people were leaping across tables, blood was shed (you might think I'm exaggerating, but think again - it's all true) - all in the name of winning at the game of spoons! It was a good time.

Then we headed back to my parent's house to open presents. I know, I know, our trip to California was supposed to be our Christmas gift, but by the load we took home, you'd never even guess we went to California at all! We are spoiled.

Chloe LOVED opening her presents.

She loved ripping the paper and chewing on the bows!

Then it was home for our family traditions....

Reading 'I Believe in Santa Claus' and 'A Christmas Story' by Christmas tree light.

Then into Christmas pj's and off to bed!

But not before Mommy sings 'Up on the Housetop,' 'Away in a Manger' and 'Silent Night.'

Oh the merriment!!!