bowling and christmas eve

Last year, we started the tradition of bowling on Christmas Eve.  I probably wrote about this last year, but it was a tradition our family always had growing up, and which I really loved.  We didn't have family in California, and neither did most of our close family friends, so we always spent the afternoon bowling together (with the missionaries), and would then act our the Nativity at someone's house.

This year Christmas Eve fell on Sunday, which meant that we just moved it up a day early and bowled on Christmas Eve EVE, haha.  The kids were all eager to get started, and to help pick out and carry their own bowling balls. Brooke, however, only maintained interest for the first 7 frames, then relinquished her turns to Papa.

Colby was really into it this year, which was so different from last year when he wasn't even walking yet.  He sure is growing up quickly!

After bowling, we headed to In-N-Out, which is just the right amount of casual for us to all get some food, but not have to worry about noisy kids.  We even opted to eat outside which allowed us adults to talk while the kids ran around playing imaginary games.

By the time we got home, it was time to make our sugar cookie day (prep for the next day), and do the bedtime routine. Brooke and Colby both love to help in the kitchen, especially when it involves messy stuff like flour and rolling pins :)

Since Christmas Eve was on Sunday,  we had a special Sacrament meeting instead of our normal 3 hour block.  The whole thing was filled with beautiful musical numbers which really brought the Christmas spirit.  We had everything loaded into our car, so we headed straight from church up to Flower Mound where we were celebrating Christmas as a family.  Jerry and Bev had prepared a beautiful meal, and we had more time with Tom, Robbie, and the Peacocks.

We opened presents, and Colby was over-the-top excited about his "own pooter (computer)'.  He kept saying it over and over, which was cracking us up.  We were all spoiled as usual, and I was excited to see Kinley and Aubrey open their unicorn sleeping bags from us because I was pretty positive they would be in love!

All the grandkids with their special stockings that Grandma (Bev) made...

Colby didn't get a nap that day, so he crashed hard within about 6 minutes of being in the car.  He slept like this the rest of the 40 minute drive, stayed asleep all the way up to his room and even while I changed him into his jammies.  I was sad that he was going to miss all the final "Christmas Eve" traditions, but I also knew that my little guy was tuckered out.

Brooke set out the cookies and milk for Santa, and the carrots for the reindeer.  Kevin had made some comment to her about getting a puppy, and then she insisted on writing Santa a note that she wanted a puppy for Christmas.  I assured her that Santa already had her gift, and that he wouldn't bring her a puppy unless he checked with her parents first.  (She knows that I do NOT want a dog.)  Way to go, Kevin, haha :/

After the kids were all nestled snug in their beds, Santa arrived and left them lots of goodies...

And Santa's helper made the finishing touches on the trampoline which had been set up the night before in sub-freezing temps!

We were excited for the joy that Christmas morning would bring!!