The rest of the night before the night before

Hallie, McKayla, Hannah, Stella and Emma - ready to unwrap!
Moving targets, slightly out of focus: Christy, Aspen, Zoe and Bree

The whole crew with Opa in their new jammies.
A funny story about jammies- All the girls have pocka-dot bottoms. I thought I would like pokka dot bottoms too, so I bought some waffleweave fabric and made some bottoms. I added 3 inches to the legs to be sure I had them long enough. They drug on the ground. I didn't pre-shrink the fabric - so after they came out of the wash- I had capri length jammies. Perfect for summer! So how do you really spell Polka dot?

Twas the night before the night before Christmas

And all the Simpson Grandchildren spent the night under the Christmas tree - well, sort of. The babies were sent with their moms and dads while everyone else ate Candy Canes and played pile on Tucker.

The boys Tyler, Carter and Tucker getting ready to open jammies. The highlight of the evening.

Zoe relaxed on the bed by herself. While all the kids in the living room slept wall to wall. Miracles do happen - They all slept through the night!

...O Christmas Tree, how beautiful are your branches...

I am thankful for Christmas trees. Even sitting here at the computer I can see the reflection in the window and it makes me feel good. We didn't go up into the mountains this year (no snow) and Kristen & Clay were managing 3 lots, Kurt and Carlee doing the lot in Star, so we have a beautiful tree. Best of all, the grandkids did a wonderful job putting the ornaments on- I did have to rearrange a few, they all can't be on one branch or 3 feet and lower. I think I'll leave the tree up until the middle or end of January -just to enjoy it. This is Jake- some day he'll ask why he is looking like a girl, but this was in the drawer when he needed a dry sleeper. At 6 months he is sitting up by himself and has a smile that melts your heart.

Thanksgiving treats

The funniest thing always happens- My camera battery runs out before the party is even started. So here are our prep photos. Carter learning how to peel carrots. It's serious work!

We decided (ok, I decided) that a fun kids activity while waiting for the food to cook would be to make graham cracker gingerbread houses. A table full of candy is any grandchild's dream - right?

Tucker seriously working on his candy cane and his house. I am thankful for this wonderful family of ours.