Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve at Tom and Tanya's.

Tom, Tanya, Karina and Tommy were not at Opa and Grandma's on Christmas Day, so the kids got to open presents on Christmas Eve instead. Elsa got the Littlest Pet Shop "Pet Daycare" from Karina and Tommy—definitely the hit of the night. She also got "the Ultimate Disney Princess Collection" of dolls from Opa and Grandma, plus a veterinarian Barbie from Mike and Sarah. So much excitement!

Claire got a rolling, ball-popping snail that is supposed to encourage crawling from Opa and Grandma (good choice), a Mr. Potato Head from Tom and Tanya, and this bath-toy boat with smiley animal passengers from Mike and Sarah.

Both Claire and Elsa got some adorable books and clothes from Aunt Beth—Elsa got the cutest Easter dress and hat. From Sharon and Heather, Elsa got a hat and mitten set and a little bear, while Claire got a stuffed puppy that I think I'll have to keep a close eye on, so that it doesn't get appropriated for Elsa's dog pack. : )

Here's Karina modeling part of her present from us (we got her some girly dress-up clothes).

After presents, it was dinner and some baby wrasslin'. Claire's down for the count.

Karina and Elsa model their matching Christmas jumpers, which were early gifts from Sharon and Heather.

We topped off a busy evening with our final advent calendar activity: Leaving cookies and milk for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer. Then it was off to bed, at which point we had our first experience with Elsa being too excited to sleep on Christmas Eve. She even got out of bed and tried to lift the window shades to peek out. Must have thought she heard a reindeer!

Finally, a big THANK YOU to all of the Heinrichs for following my "one toy per kid" request this Christmas. I know that was probably especially difficult for Grandma and Opa. : ) We appreciate it and the environment does, too.