Christmas Eve (for real, this time)

We enjoyed a delicious Mexican dinner for Christmas Eve this year before many of us headed off to the 11pm service at Queen Anne Lutheran Church. Erich and Billy sang in the choir and I played a few flute solos - with a harp and handbell choir! But before we took off, we performed the second play of the weekend - this one was about a Princess (Sonia) and Prince (Peter) who convinced her fairy godmother (Hilary) to move to Seattle. We couldn't believe how Sonia memorized her lines that she'd only learned one time before - two days prior!

 

All tuckered out! Merry Christmas!!

 

Early Christmas

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

 

This year, since we were so lucky to have Laurel and Mike up from Portland, we celebrated Christmas Eve early. This meant, we had a fabulously indulgent meal, opened a few presents and of course acted out the infamous AshPat plays. We hosted most of the Christmas activity this year and I just loved having people come and go, eat, drink, watch TV, take naps and occasionally throw tantrums (you know who you are!). It took us several days to celebrate all of the Christmas traditions which included: Early Christmas Eve and the Christmas play, a Seahawks/49ers Game, Christmas Eve service with Erich & Billy singing in the church choir and me playing flute, REAL Christmas Eve (which was celebrated with Mexican food), and of course Christmas Day with Santa presents and a brunch at Hilary & Richeys. What a fabulous holiday!!

Here are some highlights from Early Christmas...

What a beautiful tree - busting at the seams! 

Cousins Nathan and Peter were in on the fun all weekend. 

Aunties Hilary and Lolo showing off the yummy appetizers! 

Who doesn't love a 2 year old in a tie?? 

Never really got the "perfect shot" but this will have to do. 

 Dudes watching football...

Neal wouldn't take off this cap. 

 And....the infamous play.

 

Olive was all tuckered out from the fun, which is more than we can say for her gingerbread friend. 

 Uncle Richey and Nathan & Peter

 Mmmm....popovers!

 Presents!!

 Dudes in matching jackets

Candycanes!

 Nana and Papa love Sonia!

What a great auntie!

Getting ready for the big day!

Lately, Neal and Erich have been starting to look more and more alike - and now, they're even dressing similarly! This is especially surprising, given that I usually dress Neal...

We went to visit Santa Claus himself at Redmond Town Center a few weeks back. Santa told us that he preferred chocolate chip cookies and the kids told him that they'd like a red princess dress with hearts (Sonia) and Thomas the Train pajamas (Neal). He came through!

As we prepared for Christmas, we did our annual baking spree - for our friends and neighbors, and of course for ourselves. Here are some pics of our bounty: