Christmas Eve--Live Nativity

One of the things we look forward to most at Christmas Eve is going to my parents house for a yummy dinner and watching all the kids put on a live nativity.  Mom and Dad are gracious hosts.  Their is a lot of noise and craziness but also a lot of love and fun!

Angels Ashby and Katia.

  The kids always look forward to it.  They get so excited to get their parts and find out who they are going to be.  This year Ashby was an angel, Dalton was a wiseman, Brooks was too crazy to have a part (ha ha), and Ryder was baby Jesus (although he was asleep in the crib downstairs when the play was going and we didn't even wake him up for his part).  I know we are crazy!  Too funny.

It is always pretty crazy and chaotic but I worth the effort.  It really helps the kids remember why we celebrate Christmas.  Here are the 3 wiseman (Austin, Dalton and Ben).

All the cousins gathering around the baby Jesus.

Posing for a picture.  All 18(!) cousins (except Ryder who was sleeping).  They all love being together so much. 

Ashby and Dalton in their costumes.

Another tradition is after the nativity all the grandchildren, siblings, and spouses get to open 1 present from grandma and grandpa.  It is always a book.  I love this tradition.  Reading is such a love and passion of my Mother's so I am happy it is being passed down to my own children.

Brooks opening his gift.  We always go in order youngest to oldest.  Brooks loved his book!

So did Dalton,

and Ashby!  Ryan and I both got really good books we are excited to read. Thanks Mom and Dad!  We had a wonderful time.