Christmas Eve

Clara, Taylor & Papa Mark

This year for Christmas Eve, we had our big feast at Matt & Danielle's because Mom & Dad's house is in the middle of a big remodel so they have been living with Grandma & Grandpa Swanson. While the venue may have changed, the menu was our traditional good stuff. We are just re-incorporating a few more traditions for the kids.

Taylor & Clara had so much fun. They love being together, but getting to spend the night at Taylor's house AND have Santa come was almost too much! It was hard to get photos of either one of them because they were always on the go!

Clara opening her first gift of the night

Everyone feasting on prime rib!

Clara even enjoyed her own Christmas dinner.

Riding Tay's Rocking Horse... TOGETHER!

Sharing loves with Uncle Ryan who got them each Seahawks fuzzy coats. Clara is still really funny about Ryan. She chatters on about him all of the time then gets really shy or really silly when she is around him. She did the same thing with Uncle Todd before Thanksgiving, too!

THE box! One of the traditions we have revived for Clara and Taylor. Every year growing up, I (Erin) had a tradition of getting my picture taken in a decorated box in front of the tree at my grandparent's house. It started as a way to get me to sit independently for a Christmas photo and became funny in my teenage years. This summer my grandmother came across that box and brought it to me. We also got Clara's photo in that same box (photos to come).

Last year, I thought I would give Taylor & Clara the same tradition and made this box for them. Last year they fit in it perfectly together, but not quite so well this year.

Clara was getting pretty tired!

We got the girls in their matching bunny P.J.'s and Papa Bob read the family Twas the Night before Christmas from the same book we grew up reading.

Then we left cookies and milk for Santa Claus and the girls said goodnight.

Daddy, Clara & Mama

Uncle Matt, Taylor and Auntie Danielle