Christmas Eve Eve

Here are a few shots of our Christmas decor in a rare moment right before we headed out the door when the toys weren't covering every flat surface.

 Note the lack of ornaments in the Ryde-can-grab region of the tree, and lack of a topper because I can't find one that doesn't hit my ceiling.

We met up with the Parkers for Grandma Betty's Christmas at the Gasthof on Sunday. Ryder was tired but still a little angel. Ella got play and draw with cousins that she only sees a couple times a year and Grandma Betty had lots of sweet grandkids to love on.

 

We had the Station's Christmas dinner a day early since Mom and I neither would be available during the day Christmas eve to set it up.

Then of course I spent the rest of the evening soldering last minute Christmas gifts that I should have done weeks ago.

A visit from Santa

Santa stopped by Friday night just to make sure he had the most up to date list from the Parkers. He also reminded Ella that he was keeping an eye on her and to try really hard not to get her monster moved in class for talking out of turn ;) Her whole demeanor and how serious she took this conversation was priceless!

Ryder warmed up quicker than expected (not at all was expected) and sat on his lap with only slight hesitation this year. He even gave a high five and a fist bump.

 We heard from a little birdie that Santa would love some of Grandma Cindy's turnip kraut, so we hooked him up with an early Christmas gift.

 And he also insisted on a picture with Grandpa Jay before he left knowing full well that it would make it to all the guys at the station for an easy giggle.