My Kind of Christmas Eve! No cooking.

Every year since the boys all got married and Alli moved away-Christmas Eve is McBrides and Grammie and Papa. We have done different things every year. But for the past couple of years we meet for dinner and then a movie. We went to Johnny Carinos. It's one of ours and Grammie and Papas favorites. My kids get so excited to go there. They all order fettucine and they love the bread and free ice cream at the end. We have a party all day Christmas so it's nice not to cook on Christmas Eve. Thanks for making Christmas Eve memorable every year Grammie and Papa.

We went to see Desperaux because all the other movies come out tomorrow-Christmas Day. Like Father like son. Kaden had to have a toothpick too. This is Kaden's first movie ever. He paid better attention than Adri. This wasn't the best movie but it was fun.

Jordy Boy and Heather were in town from Roosevelt. They came with us to the movie. Their two little boys did better than my two little ones. We love being with Jordy and Heather.

After all the fun, it was time for the Christmas Eve present. My kids think they are getting P.J.'s every year and..... they are. It's a tradition passed down from my mom and dad. The kids loved their P.J.'s except Abby didn't seem so happy. We never got to the bottom of it.

The kids got flannel bottoms and t-shirts for their tops. Sorry Kaden that you don't match. That's what happens with one boy.

Mom sat down and read some of our favorite Christmas stories. We read "I Believe in Santa Claus" and the nativity. My kids were ready for bed. I Believe in Santa Claus is my very favorite. It makes Santa okay for Christmas and fit into the real meaning.

The kids were in bed around nine o'clock. They were tired and excited. Mom and Dad were up waiting for Santa until 11:3o p.m. Not too bad. Alex wrote a note because they are so worried every year about Santa's treats and the reindeer's carrots.

They left a slew of food out-peanut brittle, cookies, chocolate covered pretzels and carrots. Hope Santa doesn't get fat.

It was a fun Christmas Eve filled with family, fun and the true meaning of Christmas. I'm sad when this time of year ends. This is the beginning to the end.