Christmas Eve 2013

Hello Again.  Still here and again so, so far behind.  So far in fact, I am going to start with the present and work my way backward.  Forgive me as it is in fact what they call the busiest time of the year.  With an unexpected event or so mixed in.  Stayed tuned for a future post for more on that.  Today being Christmas means, yesterday was Christmas Eve.  I have calculated that in 17 1/2 years of marriage, this year was our 2nd in our home on Christmas morning, and last night the 1st Christmas Eve here.  Crazy!  We are usually on the road.
We went to the 4pm service at our church and then out to eat at Swingers Grille.  The girls were all dressed up and had lots of curls in their hair.

Then home to get ready for the big day.  Before heading to bed, the girls made their final pleas by writing their first letters to Mr. Clause.  Perhaps just a tad bit late as the jolly ole soul had to be half way around the world already.  But I wouldn't be the one to burst their bubbles... this time anyway.

Shelby's Letter

In case you can't read it, she said:

Santa ~ (Mr. Chris Cringle), I might be a little older this Christmas, but I will never get to old for Christmas!  I bet you know already that I'm pretty good with technology/electronics.  Which is true, because I would like a new set of headphones, a computer, and a few new video games.  Buuuut, I would like a telescope and a checker game.  But most importantly, I would like a home for my BEST FRIEND (underlined 11 times), Pershia.  A home.  And last but not least, something that my Great Grandpa Calvin doesn't really need, because he has the best present of all, Heaven.  Love, Shelby M & Mr. Chew.

If you are wondering:  Pershia is the neighborhood cat and Mr. Chew is Shelby's imaginary friend that is a fly she likes to draw.

Morgan's Letter

Dear Santa, 2013 Christmas has been fast (Its gone by fast) That's what I mean and I'm glad it's tonight!  This year my cousin inspired me to believe in you because before that I really didn't believe in you but she inspired me to tell everybody that you are real.  And that's why I'm writing this letter right now at 7:42 p.m.  Love, Morgan  P.S.  I hope I'm on the nice list!

They put their letters in their stockings and headed off to bed.  Later when I filled the stockings I took out the letters and played clueless today when they asked about them and playing the part said, "Santa must have taken them.  I didn't see any letters".  So, If you read this, don't say anything about the letters.  According to them, last year Santa wrote a response.  Santa has a poor memory!

the stockings are hung & filled by the chimney with care - check

 Santa's treats & milk left and consumed - check

 Santa's gifts were wrapped in the same paper and placed on the side of the tree closest to the chimney (for a quick get away) - check

I did my best without overdoing the Santa thing

Shelby went to bed fairly quick but little Miss was still awake and just getting comfy in my bed when I headed up.  Too excited I guess.  At least late to bed means late to rise, right???