Christmas Part I

CHRISTMAS EVE

is one of my favorite days of the whole year.

I think I look forward to Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day.

I just love the traditions and the anticipation.

Back in Sparks, my family always went over to my grandma's house for Christmas Eve.

As kids, we would spend the night and have to go to bed early while the adults played cards.

Then, when we got older, we started ordering pizza, playing cards and watching Christmas Vacation.

{Possibly my favorite Christmas movie EVER, probably because of the memories}

Then, we would pack into the car and go check out the Christmas lights in Hidden Valley

while listening to the sounds of Oakrige Boys Christmas.

Things obviously changed a bit this year.

I have to admit I got a little sad a few days before Christmas

when I saw people with extra cars in their driveway,

or when I took my friend Jill and her family to the air port.

It's not easy to get away for the holidays when you're a resident.

Chad has been so patient with me and my "sad spells".

He gently reminded me, that this is just a new experience and we're not away from family

because....

Chad, Peyton & I ARE a family!

{How could I forget?}

I am grateful for this time that we do have to grow closer as a family.

To uphold old tradtions and create new ones.

SO, for CHRISTMAS EVE,

Chad had to work so it was just another day for P and I.

Then, Chad came home with the pizza and we enjoyed it while watching

Christmas Vacation

 We also opened our new Christmas PJ's.

A tradition Chad and I started when we got married.

It was great.  Just a casual night at home.

{No Christmas lights though, people here are lame...never found any good houses}

Little P's first Christmas Eve
(Watching Home Alone with mom)

Peyton & The Nativity pillowcase
(I'm weird...I know)

Just the cutest little  man
(Tried to keep him up till Dad got home...this guy knows when 6:30pm rolls around)

Santa visited the Watts house

Chadley's PJ's.
He wanted something he could wear to work :)

My very festive PJ's. Comfy too!