Christmas Eve Evening

December 24, 2022

Tanner is a crazy kid.  He saved wrapping all of his gifts for the day before Christmas.  He was trying to convince all of us to help him wrap.  No gracias!  I had worked long and hard to not have to work long and hard on Christmas Eve.  Well, being Santa/parent, you still have to, but I was not going to add any more to it than was necessary.  Brinley and Aubrey declined as well, so he was on his own.

I stopped by my parents.  I mostly stop by at least once a day.  We only live eight houses away so it is pretty doable to pop in and out several times a day even.  I like to see my mom, visit with my dad and especially give him a little break on the weekends when he doesn't have caregivers.   

This time, their longtime friends, Billy and Mary Chandler, stopped by as well.  My dad had just gone back to rest, but he hopped right up and we all visited.  They brought tamales, and it was so thoughtful of them to stop by on the afternoon before Christmas.

Because we had our extended family gathering nice and early, we had the opportunity to plan some evening fun with just our small family.  And when I say small, I'm not exaggerating.  Parker is still on his mission in Ghana, and Tanner, Erin and Kaide spent the evening with her family.  So, it was just me, Brian, Bryn and Aub.  We had an awesome evening together.

First, we decided to eat out at Rosas.  It was pretty calm in the restaurant, and we had fun visiting and joking around.  Then, we drove around listening to Christmas music and looking at lights.  I made four little "Best Lights" awards to give out, and we each chose a house we loved and ding dong ditched them.  I love the Christmas decorations during the holidays.  They add so much cheer.  I know it's a lot of work as well.  It made me happy to think of those people opening their doors to a little surprise and maybe feeling a little more cheer themselves.

After the lights, we came home and played Settlers all together.  I know Brian was tired; but he knew I really wanted to play a game all together, and he made it happen.  He's a good guy.  I love him.

We also let Buttercup open her new bed.  This was a monumental event because she has never had a bed, and she's twelve years old.  To be honest, I bought the bed with Aubrey in mind.  She loves Buttercup and takes good care of her.  Aub was super excited.  Buttercup seemed pretty neutral.   

Tomorrow we get to talk to our boy in Ghana, go to church, celebrate Christ's birth and enjoy a day full of family and fun.