Christmas Eve is truly one of my most favorite days of the year ! I love our family traditions and the excitement of the night, just everything about it!
Our first event of the day was Christmas Eve service at church. Murphy Rd Baptists had services at 11 and 1 this year, which we love because we can go to church and still have time to spend with our family.
Here is Jake and some of the kids having story time with Mr Paul, one of the assistant ministers.
It's hard to see with the stage lights on, Jake is just to Paul's left.
My favorite part of course is the finale, the candlelight service as we pass the light of Jesus.
We made a stop at McAlister's for lunch and then came home. I went into baking mode making cookies for Santa that night and some Christmas tree brownies for Christmas dinner the next day. Jake and Stephen took a nap. Our tradition is that all of the Tyler/Greathouse siblings get together with their families that night to have dinner (usually pizza) and let the kids decorate their cookies together. It is always so much fun! This year we were supposed to go to Aunt Pooh and Uncle Dave's house, but Mia got sick that afternoon :( We missed her, but Aunt Dawn, Uncle Nick, and Uncle Dave came over to our house and Jake got to have everyone's attention! We ate pizza, watched Home Alone and then it was cookie time!
Let the decorating begin!
He had to lick the icing!
Serious cookie face!
After everyone went home it was time to get in bed so that Santa could come. We quickly got into our Santa pajamas and then Jake set out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.
Love this picture! Jake also got "Pete the Cat Saves Christmas" to go with his new Christmas pj's.
We used the timer on the camera to get a family shot before bed.
Jake's letter that he left for Santa
Santa came not long after Jake went to bed. He left Jake an Octopod playset with some Octonauts action figures. This was his #1 request this year. Santa's helpers didn't mind at all because it was very easy to put together! He also got some board games.
Our filled up stockings.
