Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve we attend candlelight service at our church then gather for a family dinner at Julie's house.  This was Stephen and Rachel's year to be up here for Christmas, so Candace, Rachel, Hannah and Susanna were able to sing at church.  It was kind of historic in that it was Susanna's first time to join in, officially making them a quartet instead of a trio, and, it could be one of the last times Rachel participates since Stephen is job hunting and they have no idea where they will end up.  It was lovely and we were so thankful they could all be together and sing during worship.

I just love the way the church looks all decorated for Christmas.  Reminds me of when we got married - the church was already decorated then, too.   :)

candlelight singing of Silent Night

After church we headed to Julie's house and enjoyed Quinoa Black Bean casserole.  I didn't know it at the time, but it was a recipe Julie found in my Christmas gift from her, The SparkPeople cookbook.   :)  Yummy recipe and wonderful cookbook!!

All the kids are big now, so Christmas Eve isn't as rushed as it used to be.  No more sitting up all night (for Marvin) to put together toys and bicycles.  :)  We lingered over a long dinner and good conversation, then headed home to bed.  Perfectly lovely day.

Jonathan and Hannah

around the table... Anna, Hannah, Susanna, Jonathan, Jackson, Stephen, Rachel, Arayna

You can see Shane (next to Arayna), Julie, and Marvin in the background in this one...

I just love these 'outtakes' from the set up time for the family photo...

this might be my favorite.   :)

Here is the 'official' one.   :)   (it includes the photographer, Jackson)
Left to Right - Jackson, Rachel, Jonathan, Stephen, Sue, Jack, Arayna,
Susanna, Hannah, Anna, Marvin, Julie, Kerry, Candace, Laura