Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent with the Sabelka side of the family.  There was lots of food, fun and laughs.  I never get tired of seeing the look on the kids' faces and the excitement of the holiday.  This year we really tried to focus on the reason for the season.  It's so easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of shopping, gifts, parties, etc.  As a family we focused on Advent season, and spent time every day reviewing our Advent calendar and the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

 

After we returned home from Grandma and Grandpa's house, the next mission was prepping for Santa's visit and keeping the two older kids awake to attend midnight mass in Spillville.  It was a beautiful walk to church with snow falling. It wasn't too long after we arrived at church that Nolan fell asleep.  He was so excited to be able to stay up so late and go to church with me, but just couldn't make it past midnight!  Eryn wasn't too far behind him either, and both were dragging by the time we returned home.  A great experience for them though!! The church was beautiful, as was the singing. 

 

The kids were up pretty early on Christmas morning, and it was a short night for mom and dad!  We enjoyed taking it easy Christmas Day and Randy made a wonderful Prime Rib for our Christmas dinner.  It was the first Christmas Day since I can remember that we stayed home on Christmas Day, and I have to admit I kinda liked it!