Christmas Eve 2008

It took awhile to go through all the many pictures from the past week, but I'm finally ready to post some images from Christmas, starting with Christmas Eve:

Our holiday always officially kicks off with the 5 o'clock service at Calvary Church. This year, "St. Nicholas" came to visit the children. (The girls decided to sit on the floor, so, unfortunately, I couldn't get them in the picture!)

The church always looks so lovely with all the poinsettias & greenery everywhere. It was a wonderful backdrop for Caroline's Christmas outfit!

After church, we headed over to the Ford's for the Lewis Family Christmas party. It's always a good idea to get the annual cousins' picture out of the way as soon as possible, because you never know how long the little ones will be willing to cooperate. Front row (left to right): Caroline (3), Courtney (7), Ella (3), Emily (12), Ryan (21 months); back row: Jordi (5) and Richard (14). (Not pictured are cousins Kameron, Libby, and Lily - we missed you & your respective parents!)

Jordi was as patient as possible, waiting for the gift opening to begin. I thought she looked pretty sitting, amongst the presents by their Christmas tree!

The reason for Caroline's big grin in this picture is her footwear: Build-a-Bear slippers from cousins Kim, Kameron, & Ron! These teddy bear slippers are so neat - they actually come with changes of clothes. You can see why she's so excited!