Christmas Eve

We had a pretty relaxed Christmas Eve.  Ainsley and I baked some cookies and then the girls took a long nap that afternoon.  When they woke up, we got ready and headed to Jennifer and Brian's for the evening.

 

Ainsley followed the big kids up to the playroom and we didn't see her for most of the night.  Poor Lily was stuck with the grown ups.

Ainsley loves the ornaments on Aunt Fer's tree

I told Ainsley that Santa may stop by and she was excited about it.  That is, until he actually showed up.  Then she was skeptical. 

Sitting back watching Santa

Grandma Rita and Lily watching

Santa's Elf even showed up, and I have to say....he has some pretty nice legs!

The bigger kids started climbing on Santa's lap, and Ainsley just watched.

Drake and Santa

Ainsley didn't want to get too close to Santa...she RAN to get by him!

Lani and Santa

Lily and Santa

Ashton telling Santa she wanted a car for Christmas

Brianna with Santa

Ainsley didn't want to get too close to Santa, but she didn't have a choice when Aunt Jennifer and Brianna stuck her on his lap, along with poor Avelyn.  Both Ainsley and Avelyn were not happy about sitting on Santa's lap!

Avelyn, Brianna, and Santa

Ainsley and Avelyn wanted off!

Papa Jim comforting Ainsley after she sat on Santa's lap

Santa's elf needed to visit with him before Santa handed out gifts.

Jeremy the Elf and Santa

It didn't take Ainsley long to run up to Santa to get her gift.  We couldn't believe it, but she ran right up to him.  Of course, she didn't stay any longer than was necessary to grab the gift and run off as fast as she could.

She ran to get Lily's present, too!

Jennifer started a tradition last year of reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Christmas Eve.  Brian read it last year, and it was Jeremy's turn this year (hence him dressing up in the lovely Elf shorts). 

After Jeremy was done reading it, Ainsley ran over, grabbed the book and acted like she was reading it to everyone.  She did the same thing last year too! 

It was late, and the girls were tired, so we headed home so we could get in bed and wait for Santa.  Both girls fell asleep on the way home, and Ainsley woke up for a little bit once we got home.  She was laying in bed with Joel and I asked her if she wanted to help me put milk and cookies out for Santa, but her reply was:  "No, Mommy.....you do it."  She was so tired she didn't even want to get out of bed.  So, I ended up putting milk and cookies out for Santa by myself.  There's always next year...