Christmas Eve

One of my favorite things we've carried over from Bret's childhood during Christmas is ice skating on Christmas Eve day. It is so much fun and the kids know it's something we do every year and really look forward to it. Last year Zachary and Gavin were sick so I stayed home with the boys, the year before that Gavin was too little so I stayed home with him, and the year before that I was pregnant! It was great to all be able to go this year and enjoy it with my family!

We attempted Gavin on ice-skates, but that didn't last too long. And then he assumed this position on the buckets...

The ever cautious Abby. She spent the first hour of skating holding on to the wall and the second hour speeding away not holding on at all. She just needed to get the hang of it.

Zachary...man oh man was he a trooper. This kid fell down so many times his entire body was soaking wet. Yet he never complained, never cried, and always got right back up. He spent a third of the time pushing the buckets around, a third skating next to the wall, and another third falling down or getting back up.

I love the smile on his face in this very blurry picture.

And then there is McKenna...the ice skating queen of our family. No surprise that from the get go she is speeding away, skating on one leg, doing spins and even attempting jumps.

That night we went over to our friends the Quinn's house for Christmas Eve dinner with another family from the ward. We had an array of yummy appetizers for dinner, had a nice visit, and then ended the evening with the nativity and a talent show. Abby was Mary, McKenna the donkey (of her own choosing I might add), Gavin was Joseph and Zachary was a wise man.

Joseph was the one wanting to hold the baby, not Mary.

Then it was home to make one more stop for caroling, read our final two Christmas books, make a secret delivery, and open Christmas PJ's. The kids all sleep together Christmas Eve and they were so exhausted we didn't even hear any talking or giggling coming out of the girls room. Bret and I spent a few nice relaxing hours by the Christmas tree and didn't even have to wrap a single present!