Christmas Eve-Char's Side

After we had fun with my family we went to go have Christmas Eve night with Char's side. (Not to mention how freaking COLD it was getting outside at City Creek!). 

Playing with Nutcrackers like Clara does in the ballet

Char's family have a lot of traditions for Christmas Eve night. His folks are planning on going on a mission, so we figured we would spend the night at their place so we could participate in all the activities without worrying about the 2 hour drive that night. 

One of the first things they do is make mini pizzas. Back in the day they would make bagel bite type pizzas. Now they use the Pillsbury biscuits and flatten them. It's fun to see the little kids love the idea that they get their very own little pizza with their choose of toppings. No compromise necessary. 

Keeping the girls busy while the pizza's bake

Almost time to eat!

After everyone is feed it's phase two of Christmas Eve. They re-enact the story of the Nativity in an improve sort of way. For example, Heidi Anne was Mary (note the pretty lacy tablecloth), Heidi Anne had her doll Ana Rose play the role of Baby Jesus. Alice was cast as Joseph (with walking stick). Heidi Anne wanted Millie to be the horsey. The look on Millie's face is really a smile, I just had a bad angle. Someone tried to get the guys to be the Angels. Heidi Anne said "No! Only girls can be Angels. The boys are shepherds." So the girls were Angels, the boys were shepherds / wise men, and the dogs were the sheep. It was the cutest pageant ever. 

I guess we were laughing so much and having so much fun-the little girls got to watch a quick little movie version of what we had just done. 

Next everyone shouts up the chimney and tells Santa what they want for Christmas. She told Santa she wanted a Caroline Doll with a purple dress and a Barbie Airplane. Well the Barbie airplane came way out of left field. My best guess is one of her friends had said that's what they wanted for Christmas and Heidi Anne thought "Hey, that sounds fun."

 Later we played a white elephant game. It's a new addition to the traditions so there are a few kinks to be worked out. It was late and we spent the night. Heidi Anne loved to get to spend the night in her Daddad's room he had as a kid.