Christmas Eve 2014

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Our Christmas adventures actually began Tuesday with the arrival of Grandma and Grandpa Heintz, Scott, Karen and Nora.  We had a nice meal of ham, sour cream potatoes, green beans and crescent rolls with a sour cream apple pie for dessert (along with a big cookie plate).

Our Christmas Eve fun began first thing in the morning with a yummy homemade eggnog coffee cake and an egg and hash brown casserole.  We had to have a big meal because our main Christmas feast was not planned until 4pm.

While Daniel tended to the turkey, Scott slept and Grandpa played on his iPad, Grandma, Karen, Nora, Emily and I went to the Clay Center to see the Christmas tree exhibit and let the kids run of a little energy.

After the Clay Center, Nora took a nap, Emily and Grandma played, Daniel continued his turkey tending and I began work on all the side dishes and desserts.  Yum!

By early afternoon, Emily realized that we had no reindeer food for the evening.  So, we sought out a recipe and made our very own - oatmeal, pecans and colored sugar.  I feel confident that the reindeer were pleased with their meal.

   

Finally, it was time for our meal and oh were we ready.  We decided last year that such a feast just had to have a day of its own and Christmas Day was just too busy to fully prepare and enjoy such a meal.  We had a full thanksgiving repeat, basically - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, veggies, cranberry sauce, crescent rolls and a massive load of desserts including cookies and chocolate pie.

After filling our tummies with many yummy things, it was time to get baths and get ready for Santa's arrival. Emily got a special e-mail video from Santa and his North Pole elves and then both girls (in adorable matching pjs) prepared a plate of cookies and milk for the man in red.

   

With kids tucked in, reindeer fed, and cookies available for Santa it was time to load the gifts under the tree and figure out a way to get Emily's new dollhouse up the stairs from the basement (which ended up requiring a roof removal and replacement).  Luckily we had all of our chores completed before Santa arrived...

...though some creatures were still stirring when he began unpacking his sack.  In fact, Zoey found her gift as soon as he left.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night...