Christmas Eve

Jake's Birthday & Christmas Eve! Such a special day.

That morning, Jake woke up to see that Chippy his elf had decorated for Jake's birthday. He decorated in a Star Wars theme. A crisis almost happened though. Chippy was sitting on the light fixture holding a lightsaber. Rob went to touch the lightsaber to make it flash and Chippy got knocked down. Jake kept his cool though and when we all left the room, Chippy managed to get to a safer spot. (And dad was reprimanded for getting anywhere near the elf.)

The good thing about dad accidentally knocking Chippy down,
was Jake then got to play with Chippy's mini lightsaber.

Ready for the movie to start!

Jake loved the movie! Afterwards he got to pick where we ate (Mama Goldberg's). Mimi & Granddad and Hollon & I met them there and we had a birthday lunch. Afterwards we came back to our house for cake & presents.

Nosy sister trying to get in on the action

Opening his big gift from mom & dad

His very own iPad!!

Hollon & Granddad

Blowing out his candles

We all changed and got ready then for Christmas Eve church service.

My 2 most precious gifts

Our family Christmas photo through the years

What a difference a year makes!

After church, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights. This was always one of my favorite traditions growing up. Jake proclaimed it was boring and asked after each neighborhood if we were going home yet. 

Once home (much to Jake's relief), we ate supper and then got ready for bed.

Granddad reading Hollon a story before bedtime

Jake got to put out his reindeer food he made at his class party.

And we made cookies for Santa and left him some milk.

And then it was off to bed! 

After what happened 7 years ago, Christmas Eve will never be the same for us. I've always loved Christmas Eve. There is so much excitement. So much anticipation. And then 7 years ago, at 11:30 at night, on Christmas Eve, we were given our little boy, 4 weeks earlier than expected. Everything just happened so suddenly, so unexpected. But when they placed that little boy in my arms and told me he was healthy, time just stopped. My whole world was there in my arms. My life would never be the same. Christmas Eve would have a whole new meaning from here on out. What a precious and special Christmas gift he was.