Christmas Eve & Day

The Evans Christmas Eve nativity was as raucous as ever. Even bordering on irreverent as you'll notice by the bronze Jesus bust cradled in Ruth's arms. Karen lost it and was bright red trying not to laugh. For many years the general sentiment is that this tradition needs to be put to rest, but kind of sad for Tanner who is still so young and hasn't gotten to participate. Oh well!

Paula has sewn pj pants for all the grandkids every Christmas since before I joined the family. Some health issues and time constraints made this the first year she gave it up. I don't know if she'll ever do it again, but it was nice of her to still buy everyone pajama pants. 

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning was peaceful and magical. Proud to say it was another year I didn't have a mental breakdown haha. The older they get, the easier it is.

Tanner's big surprise was a Super 73. He is obsessed with bikes. Him and Weston are my bike riders. 

Harder to find gifts for older kids though. Collin unwrapped lots of boxes of money. And he got to inherit my old phone. I think he was the most thrilled about that! Plus new shoes, a belt buckle, a new car stereo and some food gift cards. 

Olive's big gift is a room remodel, but she made out with more presents than I intended. Lots of clothes, some jewelry, a curling rod, book series, and a swing for her room and new bedding. And a big, mirror to turn the desk outside her bedroom into a vanity.

Tanner got a marble track, magnet tiles, stuffed dog, remote control car and Hot Wheels track.

The boys begged for bunk beds last year when they remodeled their room and Collin tricked Weston into wanting the top bunk. He hates it. He says it's really hot and the fan doesn't reach him somehow so I got him a small fan to clip on the railing by him and a body pillow because he loves him some pillows! He also got a new cover for his bike seat, cologne, shoes, air pods and Ethicas. 

Oh and this very silly Lightening McQueen backpack. It's trendy to have a little kid backpack as a teenager. He especially likes that the wheels stick out. Together, the boys got a bench press.

Homemade biscuits and gravy next to my fresh pot of potpourri! This is always simmering on my stove from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Tanner gave us this calendar he made in school. Where he was supposed to finish the sentence he wrote "I love you" whether it made sense or not. 

Collin's cards will forever and ever be my favorite!

Travis surprised me with a staycation to a spa with Camilla! Wasn't expecting that at all. So excited! We've never done a trip with just the two of us before.

More complicated than I think they anticipated, installing the new stereo. Then the truck wouldn't start afterward. Whoops! Turns out, it wasn't them... needed a new starter. 

A family gift was this seat that attaches to a hoverboard.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa Lindbloms in the afternoon and we had Mexican food for dinner. The Goodmans only stayed for an hour so Colin and Weston went over to Grandma and Grandpa Evans to hang out with their cousins over there. Really works out that they're so close! I should have taken a picture but the gift we gave both our parents this years is a Ninja Creami. Paula is not very expressionistic but she lit up when she unwrapped it! That was fun. I think my dad will really enjoy using it. He loves ice cream at night but is always looking for ways to be healthier. 

We are so blessed. So grateful for a husband who works hard and funds all the things. Grateful for family and yummy food and beautiful weather. It was a wonderful Christmas season!