Christmas Eve

A few years ago, we decided not to travel on Christmas Day anymore with our kids.  We wanted them to wake up in their own house on Christmas morning.  That means that we had to make new Christmas Eve traditions.  We still go to church and have MeMo's hot ham and cheese sandwiches and side dishes.  But, new traditions have been added.  

When we started our new traditions, we started the Christmas Eve box.  The kids get new PJs and a Christmas movie.

This year, the pajamas were ones that the kids got to color themselves.

Sadly, Nanny was sick, but Papa H came for dinner.  Cohan loved playing chess with him.

And what Christmas Eve dinner would be complete without singing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus.  We improvised with the only candles we had.  :)

A new tradition we added this year was riding in our pajamas to look at a few Christmas lights.  Our plan worked perfectly and the kids both fell asleep on the way home...

Then we caught a picture of Santa delivering presents that night... 

Quintero Gift Exchange and the Magic Tree

Having a best friend that is like a sister is amazing.  Having a best friend that has kids your kids love like a sibling is even better.  The kids keep growing and Baby Kate was added to the annual Quintero/Watson gift exchange and Magic Tree Night.  This year Scott missed it since he had the flu, but we all had a great time! 

I am not sure why Cohan always feels the need to kiss his "muscles" in pictures, but this is the best I got this year.  :) 

Visit to Bass Pro Santa & Volunteering at the Food Bank

We had our annual visit to Santa.  No tears this year and only one item added to a list.  I would call that a win win!  

Quinn however, did not disappoint.  She screamed and it was hilarious.  

Poor little girl didn't care for Santa too much...yet.

Earlier that day, we volunteered with friends at the local food bank.  Each kiddo was super helpful and learned that Christmas is also about giving and not just receiving.