Merry Christmas Eve!

We were awakened bright and early by a very excited Olivia. "TODAY IS CHRISTMAS EVE!" she loudly announced as she entered our room.  "Santa is coming tonight!!!!!"  We hurried her downstairs before she woke up Sir Sleeps A Lot - he gets a little grumpy if he wakes up too early. 

Liv spent her morning in the kitchen, first helping me finish some bars we're taking to church for the Christmas dinner, then, helping Papa make wreath cookies and the dough for gingerbread men.  Joe Sung Min kept himself busy playing and helping out as only he can.  

Liv spent the afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa's house and excitedly called us to let us know that Santa had come while she was napping so we needed to get over there. Now.   So we got Joe dressed in his "Christmas best" (at least in the pajama world) and headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner and to open some presents.

Before it was time to open presents, Joe gave a little love to Grandma.  The "forehead" is his form of affection.  We call this a Joe hug (Liv calls it a "head bump") -- either way, you can't help but smile when you get one! 

We couldn't pass up this adorable romper for him...

Joe was not interested in the Christmas presents -- all he wanted to do was play with his dinosaur - his favorite toy.  We ended up having to bring the dinosaur over to where we were opening presents so he could at least be part of it.

Olivia helped Joe open up his presents and he got some presents that really caught his attention -- Tupperware filled with little things that would make noise when he shakes them.  He LOVED them (so did his big sis!!)

Olivia was thrilled to get a guitar from Santa Claus and immediately started playing us some songs.  She's a natural!

Joe Sung Min was also very excited to get this singing/dancing/talking puppy dog.  He has already figured out how to turn it on and make him talk.

Christmas Eve is perhaps the easiest night to get a 5 year old to sleep.  She wanted to fall asleep immediately to make sure Santa knew she was asleep.  Too bad we can't harness this every night.  Then, it was time for some last minute present finding wrapping and decorating before I got ready to sing at church.  It is going to be an late night and an early morning... but the joy on the kids' faces will be worth it!