Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Twas the night before Christmas and Suri and I met my family at Shepherd of the Desert for Christmas Eve church. We haven't been to this church in a while and there were many people who were excited to see Suri. Everyone thought she looked so cute in her red Christmas dress and black tights. She was an angel during church and didn't make a peep. After church, we all headed out to Grandpa's house for our traditional mexican food dinner ( thank you X Tappa Joe's). Things were a bit more low key this year. Although we all had smiles on our faces, our hearts were heavy as we were all missing Mom so very much.



Suri and I on Christmas Eve




Suri and I were dressed alike! ( that wasn't planned either!!)



Suri and Great Grandma Velma

As tradition has it, we all open our family gifts on Christmas Eve as Christmas morning is for Santa's gifts. Since we all drew names this year, we each had one gift to open. Suri and Jackson had many gifts as everyone showered the two of them with presents!  It was late when we got home and after we all ate dinner it was getting really late... our neighbors and good friends, Tarja and Amalia came by to spend some time with us and open the "kids" gifts. Amalia and Jackson were so cute opening presents together. Amalia was your typical girl screeching with excitement with each gift she opened. Jackson was more matter of fact although giggled accordingly.

Tarja and Suri



Tarja, Amalia and Suri ( Suri changed into her snowman jammies)



Jackson and Amalia

Uncle Don ( mid bite! ) and Aunt Ashley



Jackson looked so cute in his Christmas sweater from Gymboree



Amalia eating chips

The Christmas tree before we opened gifts

I had the privilege of opening Suri's gifts : ) She was awake for some of the excitement and dozed throughout other parts. Everyone was so generous and thoughtful. Suri received ornaments, gift cards, clothes, clothes and more clothes. Thanks to her Aunties, she will definitely be all set in the fashion arena :)

my little snuggle bug

Since it was close to midnight when we were finished, Suri and I spent the night at Grandpa's house. Suri has her own crib there and it seemed appropriate to go just stay the night. Suri didn't sleep as soundly as she does here in her own room. She must have known something was different. She was up and down a few times during the night. Around 4am, after being up with her twice, I layed her next to me and she slept soundly until 10am! Wow Miss Suri... I loved the extra sleep and snuggling with you but it is back to your own bed when we get home : )

Suri trying to go to sleep. She loves her pink Little Giraffe blanket and wants to bury her face when she is trying to go to sleep : ) - don't worry, I am taking suffocation precautions : )