This year we were planning on spending Christmas eve with several other families at one of our friends' homes. Unfortunately our hosts came down with the flu the night before and had to cancel. We were a little lost since those were our only plans so we decided very last minute to host everyone at our house instead. I think Taber was excited because it gave him a chance to grill up a turkey, a tradition we started last year in Minnesota.
Their were a few technical difficulties with our grill but Taber was able to figure it all out and the turkey came out beautifully. Perfectly tender and juicy. We also had ham, potatoes, salad, beans, rolls and strawberry shortcake for dessert. It was quite the yummy feast!
After dinner the kids got dressed for a live presentation of the Nativity. This year Teya got to be an angel.
And Brinley reprised her role as a sheep. She was quite adorable. : )
Some of the shepherds with a little lamb and angel.
We also had the missionaries join us and they were able to fill in as the wisemen.
The kids did a really great job and it was nice singing Christmas hymns throughout the presentation. Here's the cast posing together at the end.
After our friends left we started getting ready for Santa. The girls sprinkled reindeer food on the porch so the reindeer would have a snack while Santa was inside.
Then we put out cookies for Santa and the girls opened their first presents,which were the gifts they made for each other.
We finally got them to bed around 9. They were soooo excited! Then it was time for "Santa's Helpers" to get to work. It was so much fun getting everything ready. By the end of the night we were tired but excited for the girls to wake up and see what Santa had brought.
One last picture of the room all ready for a magical morning : )
And here's a sweet video of the girls opening their presents for each other. Their reactions are so loving and sincere. It's moments like these that make being a parent so rewarding.
8 comments:
Oh my goodness, that video just melted my heart. So so sweet. I like the idea of making something for each other, too, that is really cool. And that turkey looks awesome! And so cool you guys could host everyone last minute like that, wow! Looks like an awesome Christmas Eve!
I just showed Makenzie the video and she asked if we can do that next year. ;)
SERIOUSLY! The cutest video EVER! The girls are so sweet and appreciative, I love it! Also, awesome Christmas eve party! Way to make new family when the real thing can't be around. Proud of you dude!
P.S. Taber, that is the first turkey I ever saw that I actually wanted to eat! YUMMO!
That video is so sweet! Makes me wish I got a video opening their gifts to each other.
Very sweet Christmas Eve.
I know I already commented on your facebook post, but that video is so darn sweet! Looks like it turned out to be a great Christmas Eve!
Love the video. Teya is such a lil Becca the way she talks. Brinley is the most precious sheep. What a great idea for them to make gifts for one another!
Looks like fun! We did a live nativity last year with all the grandkids at my parents' and the boys were asking why we didn't do it again this year. These are the memories that are precious to children as they grow up, we'll be sure to do it again next year!
Making gifts for each other was such a great idea. I'm totally stealing it for next year. The best part was their reactions though. How precious. I am drooling over the picture of that turkey. It looked so flavorful. Way to go Taber. I can't believe you put together a party on the fly like that. No one parties like the Riggs. You guys have made some great memories for your kids. I love all the traditions you have.
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