Christmas Eve: Take Two

My sister Talina and her husband David had the opportunity to go back to Omaha to visit his family for Christmas and New Years. Which means we celebrated Christmas with them once they got home. As sad as it was to have them gone on Christmas, it worked out well for all of us Utah-bound, since Mom made her famous "Christmas Eve" dinner not once, but twice! My girls were especially thrilled to have one last go at this whole Christmas thing . . .

Here's Ellie, putting on some of Talina's makeup from her Christmas stocking.
(And Ellie's cheek is the result of a sledding run gone bad -- she biffed it on the ice, cutting up her cheek and lip.)

Here my girls are, helpful as ever, offering their assistance to Uncle David while he was opening his presents.

Talina got some new pearls -- Ellie felt so pretty when she had them on her head like a crown that she started dancing like a princess around the family room.

Aunt Star and Annie (with Grandma Karine in the background).

Uncle David got some Snickers bars from Annie -- Ellie was very determined to get into the bag. I threatened the life of anyone who actually helped her open it.

Crazy looking Ellie reading a book with Aunt Star.

Ellie shocked to learn about the sheer size of the walking stick bug pictured in the book.

Aunt Star, Ellie, and Ellie's beloved gorilla . . . by far her favorite new toy at Grandma's house.