Christmas Eve

We waited all day for tonight's activities … Marissa had to work at 9:30 am but she got off at 5:00 pm so it worked out perfect.

The day started out slow but quickly picked up.  Devon had to have blood work done at 12:00.  Mark took him there while Betsy took Robert had some shopping.  We went all over … Target, American Eagle, Walgreens (for passport photos)… and then we delivered cookies to friends … Zimmermans, Denahy's, Craigs, Golds, Olson's, Rolfes, and Greens.

We didn't get home until 4:00 which was perfect for getting things ready for tonight's Shepherd dinner.
Betsy prepared grilled salmon, shrimp cocktail, teriyaki chicken kabobs, crab legs, mediterranean vegetables, rolls … YUM!!!!

After Marissa got home everyone got dressed up in their shepherd's costumes and met on the foyer floor for our candle light dinner.

Like Father Like Son
Mark and Robert

The Victorian Christmas Tree

Dad and Mom

Marissa with Jasper, Devon and Robert

Everyone loves to dress up in the shepherd costumes.  We have been doing this for 13 years.  Who would have thought that it would turn into a tradition.  I dressed up the kids just once back when we lived in England and it stuck.  The kids loved it!  Who would have know something like that would make such a big difference.

I'm so glad that the kids love this tradition.  Hopefully they will be touched by the true meaning of Christmas and not focused on presents under the tree.