12-24 Christmas Eve

 My family gathers on Christmas Eve at my mom's house. It is more of an open house and many of the family were able to make it at some point. The weather was horrible that day. We left home for the 2 hour drive and it took us 4 hours. We reached a top speed of 35 mph the whole way. It was a relief to have made it in.

 My sister is very cleaver and made a snowman cheese ball. My mom reads the Christmas story each year and wraps several random presents. Each time she reads the name Jesus the presents are passed. Everyone has grown to love this tradition. It is always interesting to see what presents mom has picked up.

 Maggie with her Auntie Carol and Uncle Mark

Gus with Jill opening her gift. Apparently it got warm and Gus decided clothes was over rated.  Uncle Jeff gave PJ a monster truck and then tickets for he and PJ to go to the Monster Truck show that is coming to town. PJ was SOO excited!

By the end of the evening some are tired and relaxing and some are ....um... Eric....
The kids had to be sure and put out the reindeer food so Santa could certainly find them.  The kids were very sad as we did not make it to midnight mass as the roads were still messy from the storm of the day.