Christmas Eve 2009

Christmas Eve was at my parent's house -- and although the house felt strangely empty (Talina and David had to fly out earlier that morning, a day early, to avoid a storm that was going to hit Omaha, where David's family was waiting for them -- add to that Cody AND Lacy both had to work -- Star is always able to see the bright side though, and as the only remaining Aunt around, she was happy to have all my girls' attention). We still had a lot of fun though, opening some of our gifts and watching Annie and Ellie squeal and dance with excitement!

Annie opening her first gift of the night, a present from Aunt Star, that we snuck in before dinnertime.

Ellie was equally thrilled with her new CareBear from Aunt Star.

Always so appreciative!

Ellie acting as Grandpa's pillow.

After dinner the girls opened their gifts from Mom & Dad. Shockingly, it was pajamas. :-)

Quickly eclipsing the PJs though, was this princess dress from Grandma Karine & Grandpa Robert (with matching shoes!)

Ellie actually desperately wanted her dress on, but as soon as Dad tried getting it on her she completely freaked out -- someone was a bit overtired!

Ellie with a new baby doll.

Annie with hers.

Me and my princesses!

Ellie shocked by whatever it is she was learning in the book Grandma got.

The girl's got these Alaskan pillows from Grandma & Grandpa -- they have both slept with them and dragged them all over ever since!

We had so much fun -- and the girls only got the bed an hour and a half late. For the third night in a row. When they were going to be letting them wake up at 6:30 the next morning (usually they try to wake up around then, but Mom refuses to acknowledge their awakeness until 7AM). It was kind of a recipe for disaster -- but a Christmas Miracle kept them fairly sane until Christmas Evening!