Christmas Eve

We had an absolutely wonderful Christmas Eve this year! Nolan is at such a fun age to open his presents, and was straight up shrieking with joy! He helped bring lots of smiles and laughter to all.

This year, we hosted Joe's family at our house for Christmas Eve dinner, which was followed by present opening. In attendance were Joe's parents, brother, sister, brother-in-law, and their two daughters Mattie and Mia. It was fun to have a full house on Christmas Eve and really brought out my Christmas spirit decorating and putting on festive music.

Waiting for everyone to arrive!

For dinner, I made a spiral cut ham that was seasoned with honey and brown sugar, Penne Vodka, Green Beans with Garlic, homemade bread, and salad. Everything came out really good, and I really enjoyed cooking for everyone.

Nolan and Mommy - Christmas Eve 2013

As if right on cue, big fluffy snowflakes came down briefly before everyone arrived, which really felt magical. We stood outside for a few minutes taking it all in, and feeling grateful for this holiday season.

Dean with snow on his head - Christmas Eve 2013

After a fun dinner complete with Christmas "poppers" that contained paper crowns and silly toys, we moved into the playroom around the tree to begin our presents exchange.

All the presents around the tree (and Mattie checking them out!)

Nolan was in a fantastic mood - he took a nice long nap earlier that day, and must've sensed the excitement/joy in the area as he was being so silly and enjoying the extra attention!

This is what a Nolan hug looks like

Another "Nolan Hug" to cousin Mattie

And on to the present opening! With Joe's family, we do a secret santa so each of us just buys presents for one person, and the kids get presents from everyone. To say Nolan loved opening the presents is an understatement. He was SO overjoyed!

Off they go!

Nolan's new cars from his abuelos

This is REALLY fun!

Awesome car tracks from Aunt Jessica and Uncle Tim

Joe's favorite gift of the night - Cards against Humanity game

Cold Hard Cash!

I'm so happy to have captured Nolan's craziness on video! Here are him and Mattie opening Mattie's big present from the abuelos - a scooter! I think Nolan was more excited about it than Mattie!

Mattie giving presents out from her scooter.

And then there was THE present of the night. Nolan went competely BONKERS over his gift from his abuelos - a ride-on Thomas train! This video says it all...

A VERY happy boy!

This year's Christmas Eve was the best. Joe and I had perma-smiles the entire night, and experiencing Nolan's joy was just amazing. I was just overcome with such strong feelings of gratitude and love for my family. Nothing brings back the joy of Christmas like children!

Abuela with Mia - the youngest member of the family!

1 month old Mia - baby's first Christmas

Mia and Uncle Joey

After all the presents were opened, we had some dessert, let the kids play with some of their new toys, and said good night to the family. Nolan got changed into his Christmas jammies and played a bit more with his favorite Thomas toy. I think these photos accurately descibe the absolute joy that Nolan was feeling (and us in seeing him)!

Christmas Joy written all over his little face

Loving Thomas "Dandy" as Nolan says

Huge smiles!

The Christmas celebrations continued on Christmas Morning with gifts from Santa at home, then Christmas Dinner with the Pappases in New Jersey, and Presents with Nonna and Pop Pop the day after. Lots to share... more posts to come!