christmas eve

the eve of christmas eve found us out doing some last minute christmas shopping........

crate and barrel.....that must be for me!  ;)

margo is taking ballet at byu, so we kitted her out from a dance store and put everything under the tree.......while we were there, gabi discovered this 

tutu tower and fell in love.........

christmas eve......
the most wonderful time of the year!


paul and i started our day at a food bank, distributing christmas cheer.........i get to help there every other friday......i love it.

then we headed an hour east of boulder to the tiny town of hudson, co. to hudson lockers where we picked up 

our half a cow that paul ordered a few weeks ago!!! i love little towns and meeting the town butcher was a treat.......real home town america!

if you have ever wondered how much meat you get from half a cow, it is a lot....230 lbs of prime, all american beef.  all neat and tidy, wrapped and labeled in white butcher paper.........

when we get home, preparations for christmas eve dinner have begun.....

the kids have got everything under control......

they've cleaned the house, turned on the carols and chopping, mixing have begun......

you guys are the best!

mr. man heads out to chop wood, while he has delicious things cooking on the stove.......

he's got his apron on going from 

kitchen to wood chopping........

my man can do anything!!!!

we are ready to begin this night of night's celebration

the table is set,

we are dressed to kill,

the feast is ready,

the guests are here,

(alisa, jerry, james, lila and ryan)

are hearts are full.... 

christmas eve dinner menu

cheese fondue

egg salad on bread rounds

baked honey glazed ham

divine potato casserole

acorn squash rings filled with mashed sweet potatoes and crumbled blue cheese

sauteed bok choy

spinach salad with candied pecans & pear

chocolate cheesecake

blackberry trifle

carol singing, cousin wrestling, laughing, and memory making made up the rest of the evening.......

good night aunt, uncle and cousins......

we love celebrating with you on christmas eve....

merry christmas!

the kids decided to all sleep in the band room

and watch 

a christmas story together.....

good night, my angels, i love you and wish you the merriest christmas ever.......may all your wishes come true...

while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads....