a perfect Christmas Eve

There. I've said it. But it really has been a perfect Christmas Eve.

This morning the kids delivered our neighbor gifts. (I made toffee yesterday and it is a new family favorite.)

Then they opened and unloaded the packages that arrived from my mom yesterday. I can't think of anything more exciting to my children than the arrival of my mom's packages, and who can blame them? Our tree is now overflowing.

One package with my name on it said, "OPEN NOW!!" The kids, of course, found this hugely exciting. It contained six miniature wreaths to hang on the back of my dining room chairs (something I have been pining after for about two years). Thanks, Mom!

Eva begged me to get my camera and take a picture of her with Jack. I don't often get photo requests, so I couldn't ignore that.

I spent the rest of the morning baking bread and doing a little last-minute wrapping. Then we headed to Salt Lake to go to Marc's sister Michelle's house.

{detail from Michelle's tree}

Michelle's family has a tradition of eating an Italian feast on Christmas Eve. Not only was it delicious, but the reds and greens were very festive, as well. She made lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, tortellini with chicken and vegetables, and plain spaghetti for my picky Lucas and Eva. Bob & Mim brought a beautiful salad.

Nicole made this delicious appetizer, I kept going back for more!

I made two loaves of the Rosemary Artisan Bread (minus the rosemary), and I must say, they turned out exceptionally well. It's fun to have a showstopper recipe, and particularly gratifying when said recipe is so easy! If you haven't made this yet, do not delay!

Michelle has 12 place settings of her husband's grandmother's china. Isn't it pretty? What a wonderful heirloom!

After our (early) dinner, Marc gave Michelle a little Photoshop tutorial.

Grandma got down on the floor and played with Eva, Eva's very favorite thing in the world.

Lucas and Kristen went outside to sled down the slide. I never would have thought of that!

The rest of us were sitting around chatting. Nicole was texting a boy she likes, while wearing possibly the cutest shirt in the world that she bought while visiting us in Paris. Even though this picture is blurry, I think it captures her so well!

After we had waited sufficiently long to be able to eat again, Michelle served her Italian Cream Cake. (I will post the recipe soon, I forgot it at her house...) It has pecans and coconut, two of my very favorite things. It is reeeealllly good, and check out that covetous cake plate!!

Michelle and Nicole played us two duets they performed at a recent recital. There's not much I love more than family duets. Kristen played her harp as well.

We played some games, with even Eva getting in on the action.

Finally, I said that we had to go home so I could finish up my last Christmas preparations. We drove home in the dark, looking at all the lights and listening to Christmas CDs.

Marc read the story of the first Christmas from Luke 2, and then we gave our traditional gifts to the Savior. I really did not fare so well with the gift I planned to give Him last year, so I had to repeat. I'm hoping the shame of that will give me the boost I need to put it into action.

Then the kids opened their one gift on Christmas Eve. Lucas chose one of the gifts Landon gave him (a Bionicle), and he had it assembled before I could blink. Eva chose the gift Whitney gave her (a Littlest Pet Shop fish) and was totally thrilled. Max chose his gift from Lucas ($15 towards a new ipod) and was, I think, happy and touched.

I put Eva to bed -- she was almost too tired for stories, but then couldn't go to sleep until after 10:00 because she was so excited.

Marc and the boys went down to watch a show on Marc's new giant TV.

I made overnight cinnamon rolls and overnight regular rolls.

Now everyone is asleep and I am getting ready to assemble the stockings! I think the stockings are my favorite part of Christmas day. And I love the quiet anticipation of this night, with everyone tucked in their beds and all in preparation.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.