Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a pretty busy day.  I spent most the day in the kitchen, baking tea rings and food for the Hale Christmas Eve party.  It was a "Baughman" year for Christmas and we're so grateful that Justin's aunts & uncles are so accepting and allowed us to join their party. 

I don't think I showered until late afternoon! The kiddos wanted desperately to help ice the tea rings.  It's a good thing I was blessed with the "multi-tasking" mom gene... as I was able to guard the tea rings from little fingers, while icing them at the same time. 

I've been struggling to get my dough to rise in Utah.  Yeah, it's a problem since I live here! I discovered this year that I'm not adding near enough yeast.  Can't wait to try these babies again.. but they are a lot of work.

Each batch makes three large tea rings, so we surprised a few families with the other two. 

We took peanut butter bars and a blanco queso dip I found on Pinterest to the Hale party.  (Quick review on the queso.. it was super yummy.  Next time I'd add more jalapeno and possibly sausage.)

The Hales had a lovely spread of soups, salad, bread and endless desserts.  I love their soup tradition!

It was fun to catch up with Justin's siblings and for the cousins to reunite.  I loved bonding with cute Harlie.. love to hold that little one any chance I get! She's a doll.

My kiddos sure love their cousins.  They spent the night running around the church together and had a great time.  I think the older boys opted out of this cousin pic.  I sure love Garrett.  He's amazing with his cousins, even though they're quite a bit younger than he is.  He would've made an awesome big brother.  Luke simply adores him and follows him everywhere.  Garrett never misses an opportunity to scoop him up.  It's so fun to watch.  Wish we saw these kiddos more! I think Camille has the good version of this pic...

After our yummy feast, we watched a slide show of photographs from Gerri's..aka Nana's childhood.  It was SO fun.  Wish she could've been there.

After the conclusion of the slide show it was time for the Nativity.  Aunt Rachel asked Mylie to be Mary, but Mylie preferred to be an angel.  Luke refused to be anything at all.  Bummer! Mylie was concerned about having a halo... my solution.. a napkin.  Not the best lookin' props, but you get the idea. 

The older cousins read from the scriptures while these guys just looked cute.  I can always tell when Mylie is nervous... her hands go right to her mouth!

Darling Lola as Mary.

While we gorged ourselves on the delicious desserts, Santa came! Mylie was so excited to see him. She kept saying "Santa had time!" We didn't know if he'd be able to make a stop or not, being so busy on Christmas Eve. :) She even made a mini stocking at the kid's table and had to give it to him before he left.  Luke on the other hand, wouldn't have anything to do with this guy..

We left the party at a decent time and made the trek home to open Christmas jammies and read our new Christmas book.  Luke was exhausted and miserable.  His response after opening his super man jammies.. I was a little disappointed.

Then there's this sweet girl... who oohed and aahed over her Hello Kitty jammies and matching purse.  Love her.

We fought this guy for a while.. and then it clicked.  He was starving! Our kids have a problem... they never eat in social situations.  Resulting in starvation! They would choose to run around and never eat.  But then it hits 'em and they freak out.

The mention of a nutrigrain bar brought smiles to Luke's face instantly and he put his jammies on in no time.  Of course, he loved them! Jammies on and food in hand.. all was right in the world.

The new Christmas book for this year.."You Are My Miracle"  Such a cute read. Short, simple and heartwarming. 

Mylie left peanut butter bars out for Santa.. and carrots for the reindeer.  We had family prayer and..

then it was time for the elves to get to work...