After a wonderful Christmas eve party with my parents and a lovely visit to their church for the caroling service, we came home to set up for Santa.

The stockings were hung by the window with care, in hopes that Santa would fill them with gifties.

The girls each opened 1 present, and because Mom was slow on the giftwrapping, they opened a present from one of their sisters. We set out cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa & the reindeer, then went upstairs for stories and to check up on Santa. We read the nativity story in the Bible, and then followed it up with The Polar Express and tracked Santa with NORAD.

The girls were exhausted from a busy afternoon of playing with their cousins, so they fell asleep quickly after seeing that Santa was getting closer to where we live. We’re all excited to visit with family again tomorrow and then to visit with great-grandparents on Friday. Family is at the forefront of our Christmas, along with our new faith.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and hope!