Christmas Eve

There is just something uniquely special about Christmas Eve: the twinkling lights, the chill in the air, the first gifts of the season, worshipping in candlelight. I almost love the Eve more than Christmas Day. This year we spent Christmas Eve with Gramps, Yaya, LouLou and Kyle. It was a night to remember!

O was over-the-top excited to finally be allowed to open a few gifts after so many days of patient waiting. At Yaya's house, we take gift opening slowly, enjoying each loved one's response and gratitude. Because the number of people is few, we can all savor the time of exchanging gifts.

Owie got so many amazing presents, but the one that stole his undying love was his brand new, big boy, real life guitar. Immediately after unwrapping it, he plunked down on the hearth and began strumming pretty tunes. This is the gift that got toted around to all other homes on Christmas Day. We've got to get the Boy some lessons!

What does it take to capture Nosy's heart? Well, it's round and bounces...and brings out the cheesy grins in abundance! He even slept with that ball Christmas Eve Night.

LouLou gets a squeeze, right before opening her most anticipated gift of the night.

LouLou and Kyle have an unconditional, enormous love for their puppy, Kirby. I made Lou a picture book with snapshots of Kirby growing through the years. She shed the appropriate tears of joy.

Yaya opened some delicious blueberry syrup, a very appropriate gift considering our "breakfast for dinner" theme.

Speaking of breakfast for dinner...

Oh did we FEAST!! We scarfed down waffles, sausage, homemade caramel rolls, scrambled eggs, homemade berry syrup, and limitless fruit. It was scrumptious! Then we were off to a candlelight service at Gramps and Yaya's church.

The service was so wonderful, especially because the Boys could remain with us and enjoy the music and message. I know we all have the true reason for the season constantly in the back of our minds, but setting aside time out of our evening to only focus on Christ and keep Him in the fore-front of our minds was invaluable. The music was beautiful, and hearing tiny O's voice raised in song, worshipping beside me moved me to tears of joy. I was a tad worried about the whole candle thing (especially after Noah slightly singed his finger on his birthday candles), but it all went off just perfectly. The kids loved helping hold the candles and the sanctuary was glorious, lit only by candlelight.

After church, we headed back to the Cody house for more food and more gifts. Those Halpin Boys: Always a helpful bunch when it comes to gift opening!

Gramps's picture book of the past few years with the Boys stole the show.

What a blessed, unforgettable night.