Christmas Eve at the Cape

We asked for Christmas Eve off from work this year so that we could go to Mom and Dryden's house for dinner. Christmas Eve is the big celebration on my side of the family (and we didn't get to go last year because we had to work) so we were excited that we got to be a part of it. It was wonderful as always!

The day started with a little trip to the beach. I love the beach in the winter. It's so serene.




Then it was back to the house to help get things ready. Here's the tree - with way too many presents under it (and there were more to come)!


Mom's Christmas houses. Caroline has been fascinated by these since she was a baby.


Caroline and Emily frosting the gingerbread cookies. They actually did as good a job on them as I've ever done. I think this may become a new tradition!


Then the frenzy of present-opening. It got a little crazy.


Although once Annie opened up her music set she was pretty much done. She loved it. She may have a future as a drummer!


After having dinner (there was too much good food to eat - no time to waste taking pictures) the girls got into their jammies and we wound down a bit by reading the Polar Express


"Winding down" worked better on some than others. It also helps if you stop eating cookies at some point...



But that's the fun of Christmas - being with family, having a good time, and indulging a little. This year was no exception!