Fa-La-La-La-La (part 2)

I freaking love Christmas Eve.


Christmas Eve is always so nice. We have always had it with our family because it is my brother's birthday and we always want to be together for that.  We missed Scott, Lori, Austin and Blake a lot this year. I am hoping next year they will be here!


We had a great night with great food (thanks, mom) and great family.

This year, we decided that because our Favorite Things party was so fun, we would do it again with the family on Christmas Eve. I'm pretty sure this is going to be a tradition from now on...we had so much fun!


Landon was beyond excited to get to participate this time. He could barely contain himself! Each time his name was drawn out of the hat, he squealed with joy!
 The "favorites" were awesome! Some were even better (Shawn) than others (Scott)! hehe!

After everyone said their goodbyes, we settled in so Landon could give the gifts he bought...They were a hit. His smile was so big. He was so happy to be giving the gifts that he had shopped so hard for.

and then, after a few final touches for Santa it was off  to bed for the littles.

because we had a shit-load of some work to do!!!

Finally, it was perfect.

and in the morning, they thought so too...

please note the Globe...that the little jerks didn't even take all of the wrapping paper off of. 

Then, it was off to Grandma and Grandpa's for our Christmas Day celebration.
(which brings me to my favorite picture of the bunch.)

Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's is perfect. It's a great way to end the holiday. It's a perfect blend of Christmas hype and Christmas relaxation. 
The Cruce Christmas is filled with gifts.

But every gift under that tree has probably been thought-out for months. Valerie will remember things said from months before. She will get you gifts that you need and hadn't even thought to ask for.  The Cruces are great gift givers because they are thoughtful.

Again, Landon got to give his gifts, that he picked out, to the people that he loves. He was just as proud the second time around!

And we/the boys were given the best gift any parent could ask for. Thank you, Marshall and Valerie.

And no trip to Grandma and Grandpa's would be complete without a little "I'm not your buddy" playtime!

It truly was a wonderful 2011 Holiday. I can't think of a thing that could have made it better. 


All of our family is happy and healthy and that makes for a perfect Christmas. 


Here's to next year...
Merry Christmas!