Christmas Eve memories

Oh, I wish you all could have seen Kebrom running for the schoolbus, to look at lights. He was so excited, and wearing his new brown shoes, with stiff soles that made him run just a little funny. His coat was open, didn't want to take the time to zip it up, and he was leaning forward in anticipation. He greeted the bus driver like he owned the bus, and promptly took a seat with cousin Zekie. Good thing Paul sat with the 2 of them to keep them reigned in. I sat right in front of them & was able to enjoy all the many belly laughs that came ringing from Kebrom.

Christmas Eve was another great day. Kebrom was wearing his suit & tie, at well, 9AM. Atsede was in her Christmas dress too. Thankfully, Geoffrey was making a music/dance video of the kids...gave them something to do other than WAIT. I baked pies, "is this for dinner???" No, it's for Nana's house. The breakfast casserole & artichoke dip...both for Nana's house. I'm afraid I forgot to feed them entirely during all the preparation. They loved dinner at the restaurant, but neither one ate their much anticipated burgers...they did eat their fries.

By church time, Kebrom was SO TIRED!! Kebrom was holding his eyes open by sheer force of will. After Paul assured him, we would wake him up before Santa came, he let himself go to sleep. A much needed nap before the rest of the evenings excitement.

After Christmas Eve service, we came home to change...and headed to Nana's home. They were met with brand new pajammas, and were thrilled. All children changed into their new jammies, and waited for the bells of Santa. I think Papa heard the bells first. Santa hid went from window to window, peeking in & ringing his bells. I shouldn't have been worried about Atsede & Kebrom being afraid of Santa, Atsede fairly attacked him with hugs when he walked in the door. Then ran over, patted the stool for him to sit down & jumped up in his lap. Kebrom wasn't far behind.

Santa gave everyone a present to open & they spent a while playing before bed time. The kids did their Christmas Eve program, the dance video premiered, JoyLynn sang "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" & Brenna & Kyra each played a piece on the piano. It wasn't very hard to get the little ones to go to sleep as, #1, they were exhausted, and #2, they knew if they didn't go to sleep tomorrow would never come.

Older girls stayed up for a while...and us crazy adults stayed up til nearly 2AM visiting. We, too, had to finally admit we had to get some sleep.