Christmas Eve 2015

Christmas Eve festivities began around 4:00. Migdalia had all the Smith's over for a yummy meal. She went to a lot of work to create a menu of Ham,Turkey,Tamales, Rice, Salads, Fruit and Rolls. It was quite a feast!

 We ate and then visited for a bit before it was time to head to the other side of the family gathering The downside of splitting the evening in half is you don't get enough time at either.

 We were all so stuffed from Aunt Migdalia's, we didn't eat much at my parents. So we just waited for everyone to finish up:)

 My mom read the Story of the Christ Child to a captive audience

 The little ones played a matching game

 Then almost everyone played this paper plate game that Mark had come across on FB

 My job was reading all the drawing steps, so Mark was in charge of pics.  

 

Through a series of steps they were supposed to draw a scene that included a tree with ornaments and a star on top next to a fireplace with stockings hanging from the mantle  ... or something like that.

 I was impressed with how well some did, and how others resembled nothing even close:) Surprisingly (based on her plate -bottom left), Bailee ended up with the most points while a couple (Jill/Mom?) didn't get a single point. They were all good sports and it was fun either way!

We celebrated the December birthdays while we were together. Kris on the 23rd, Kristin (in Austin) on the 24th and Dad on the 30th.

 Once everyone left for home, the girls opened their gift of PJ's and Christmas Books from us.

 Emmrey got a snack ready for Santa along with a note for good measure

 And we waited for the magic to begin;)