Christmas Eve

The kids helped me make a pot roast and fruit jello in honor of Bestamor.

 They were super excited that it was Christmas Eve!

 Marlene and Bob came over to give Charlotte and Edison their presents.

 Edison named his cat "Winnie" and now brings it to bed every night. Charlotte named her cow "Seagull." You might notice Edison has a black eye. He acquired it on Friday tugging a bag out of his locker at school. The bag was stuck, Edison tugged really hard until it suddenly came free which made Edison reel back and knock his face into a stool behind him. Ouch!

 Grand Dada spent Christmas Eve with us. He found the kids the most wonderful books - Edison's new space book is a big hit.

 And Charlotte got a cool Hello Kitty remote control car from Grand Dada. When I was talking to Edison before he went to bed, I asked him what his favorite present was. He said, "The Hello Kitty Car."

 But it is undeniable that the railroad track expansion set (lots of fun pieces like Ys, track switchers, etc.) is totally fun.

 We had a lovely dinner. I made grilled artichokes because I can remember eating those with my dad on special occasions growing up.

 So much fun chasing this car.

 We also opened presents from Perry and Matt. Those included an enchanting book from Wales and this giant present that the kids loved opening....

 a really neat polar bear pillow!

We put out cookies for Santa and the reindeer and hung up our stockings. Edison told us at every turn all the things we had to do the right way for Santa's visit. Knowing that Santa wouldn't come until he was asleep, at 6:00 Edison announced he was ready for bed and didn't even need to watch his usual bedtime cartoon or hear his bedtime story. It was so much fun to share this Christmas with our kids and family!