Merry Christmas Eve

I seriously can't believe I am sitting here writing a Christmas Eve post.  With all the travel and the normal craziness of the season, Christmas really snuck up on us this year.

Theres definitely some things that we've had to sacrifice during this season.  For example, tonight the reindeers will get homemade reindeer food, but Santa will have to make do with some cookies from HEB.  After at least twelve different batches of cookies this season, this Momma is all homemade cookied out.  Still, we've managed to fit some of the really important things in, and continue our ongoing traditions - and I'm pretty sure the kids haven't noticed.  

This year seems especially magical for Isla.  On top of being terrified of Santa - she swears she's not, she is obsessed with both of our elves, and talks to them the first thirty minutes of every day.  She runs into our room every morning with tales of their latest escapades.

This year Lovely (we changed our elf's name again this year), brought us a very special candy cane seed.

We made a Christmasy pot to plant it in, and waited….

And who would've thought - a candy cane grew!!!

Last night we went to see good friends for a Secret Santa.  It was a nice way to celebrate, and unwind.  Of course there were shenanigans when we all decided to pose for a group shot.

I apologize for the quality of the picture, but in the end, all that really matters is that we captured the moment.

We'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.  We are so thankful to have you all in our lives.

After I hit "publish" on this post, I'm heading to the park with my family, and then on to a local neighborhood that does over-the-top Christmas lights.  We'll finish up at home with one of Jordan and my favorite Christmas Eve traditions - take out sushi!   Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!