Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve. Our day in photographs.

Josh, taking it all in / Nana Barb / Nana Gaynor and Aunt Becky /silliness with mommy / these two are peas in a pod, melts my heart / a few photos outside the restaurant / appetizers at our house for the eve / photos before bedtime / playing with new gifts / high-fives to setting out reindeer food / reading by the light of the tree / bedtime stories / a special gift from brother Josh / cinnamon rolls for the morning / cookies and milk for Santa

On Christmas Eve morning Joshua came to me with a burst of excitement and an idea he came up with all on his own. He wanted to make, write and illustrate, a book for Jessica. So while I cleaned and prepared for our guests, Joshua wrote his story. He worked with dedication and love on each drawing, each line and each detail. And when he needed help with his spelling I could the beat of his feet running down the hallway and his overjoyed voice asking "mom, how do I spell Christmas." It was like a cycle that swung full circle; running down the hallway, tip tap tip tap, asking a question, sounds of pencil against paper and running away out of site. I smiled each time.

I never saw the final product, it was whisked away and wrapped before I could sneak a peak. When we gathered around on Jessica's floor late on Christmas Eve we all watched with excitement as she opened her present from Joshua. We all listened as Joshua read "Hello Kitty's Christmas" to us and shared his thoughts on each page.

These tiny moments make my heart jump and dance with joy. Watching the love my children have for others unfold before my eyes. Watching their dedication, patience and kindness become a part of who they are. I couldn't be prouder of my three children.