Christmas Eve & a Bye-Bye from Wendy

We had a great Christmas Eve at Grandma and Papa's! We were a bit tired...we had just gotten back from LaPine and I crammed in some baking and wrapping and last minute shopping into the day as well! Yikes!! Anyhow, it was a full house and never a dull moment!

The kids and some adults, put on a skit about Baby Jesus that Grandma put together after we stuffed our bellies full. We took lots of pictures, sang some favorite Christmas songs and then let the mayhem of unwrapping gifts began!!

Griff spent as much time on the piano as allowed...

 It didn't take long for Brewer to join him.

 They are so darling!

 Ha! I am sure our King, Tim, will love this photo!

 Lilly was a Shepard and did an outstanding job with her lines!

 Mary and Joseph

All the kids are growing up fast!

Brittany is in her 2nd year at OSU and Sydney is a freshman at Hinds Community College in Mississippi!

We sure are proud of them!

 Love my gals lots and lots!!!

 They all did a great job of tearing into the presents!

 Look at all our bow hunters!!!

 It was fun, fun, fun all night. It was getting plenty late by the time we left for home. Thank you Grandma and Papa for always making Christmas Eve special for all of us.

When we got home, Wendy was in the tree and she had a good-bye note for the kids...

She told them how much she loved being their scout elf and that she would miss them until she returns next year. She reminded them to always do their best to behave and that her and Santa will be watching them...

Lilly read the note a few times and just fell apart...it was heart-breaking!! She didn't want Wendy to go back to The North Pole with Santa! She was going to miss her way too much. I felt awful. I really had no idea that Lilly was going to be so upset about the whole thing. It was an awful feeling...putting my baby girl to bed on Christmas Eve as she was bawling about our lil' elf! 

Pat and I tried to distract her and cheer her up with putting cookies and milk out for Santa and food outside for all the Reindeer....

...but she still cried herself to sleep. I sure hope she remembers next year that Wendy leaves each year to be with Santa and her Elf Family. Ugh...