Christmas Eve

How is it that Christmas 2010 has come and gone? I feel like I just pulled all of the decorations out of the attic and placed them neatly in their spot and now it's already time for me to pack them back up. It really makes me sad to even think about it. The poor living and dining room mantles are going to be bare, the tree we love so much is going to be replaced w/a boring ol' dining room table, my precious glittery snowman has to go back into hiding, the mistletoe has to come down and the warmth and coziness of the holiday season is over.done.that's it...how depressing! Fortunately, we have wonderful memories and a lot of pictures to serve as a reminder of what a magical Christmas it was for the Lindeman family.

Christmas Eve was spent w/both sides of our families, which meant we started early and ended late. It was chaotic, exciting and joyful all at the same time.

We had to stop midway through opening presents b/c this little guy had a dangling tooth that mommy needed to pull.

One little pull and out it came, so Santa and the Tooth Fairy visited our house on the same night. How cool is that but aren't you supposed to be asking for teeth at Christmas, not losing them? If he loses anymore, he might have to switch to a liquid diet. Look at those holes!

The boys ended up with way too much stuff but I've learned that's what proud grandparents do and there's nothing we can do about it.

The pillow pets were a big hit w/the grandkids;

as was the art easel, fishing boots

Barnes and Noble gift card and transformer mask.

Once the final gift had been opened, Papa received a phone call from Big Joe.

He's the friendly monster who lives under my parents house. Papa told the kids that he was calling to let them know he didn't have time to wrap their presents so he left them by his hole in the closet. Presley and Kase darted off to check it out but Keller wanted someone to hold his hand on the way...he's not so sure about monsters, even if they are leaving gifts. All 3 of them came running back w/big smiles and a new toy.

Big Joe even left beautiful bracelets for Morgan and I. He is such a special monster and I am so thankful the tradition that started 30 years ago is still a part of our Christmas Eve today. Thank you Papa {Big Joe} and Grammar for making our evening so spectacular. Your unconditional love is better than any gift under the Christmas tree. We are so blessed to call you Mom, Dad, Papa and Grammar!