Oh Come All Ye Faithful...

One of MY favorite Christmas traditions is going to my mom's house for Christmas Eve dinner. It's a special time for me to hang out with all my family. My sisters and their families are usually there, along with my Grandmother Lee. My Uncle Buddy and Aunt Nancy typically come by after dinner...for some dessert and fellowship. And you never know from year to year who else will show up! This year my Grandmother Vise and Aunt Linda made the trek out to my parent's house. They DID manage to find the house (after getting lost). Just one more thing for us to chuckle about. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many family members, talking and just laughing a lot.

My mom LOVES to decorate for Christmas. I love love love her nativity and hope that one day I'll be able to find one similar. I remember just gazing at it when I was growing up...wondering what it would have been like...so many years ago, to be in that stable with Mary, Joseph & Baby Jesus.

My dad just finished painting my Mom's kitchen cabinets white. They also added new hardware for a clean, updated look. I love the finished look...makes her kitchen look so bright. OH, and it must be a Christmas miracle...I got Granny Lee and Kekey to pose and smile for a picture.

Here's a cute one of Kate and Nanay. All the grandkids just LOVE their grandmother. There's something about Nanay that kids love--I think it's her willingness to get down on the floor and really play with them!

Me, AV & Granny Lee in front of my mom's new artificial tree. I never thought she would join the "fake" side, but alas, the temptation of not having to string up any more lights was just too great for her. It was a pretty tree...

Bryan taking a breather outside. It can get REALLY hot in my mom's house, especially when she is cooking something in her oven. Don't think I'm exaggerating one bit--most of us typically wear short sleeves (or at least bring a T-shirt with us) to her house. We KNOW what can happen when you get a bunch of hot bodied Vises together! Ha.

Dad takin' care of the steaks on the grill. We typically eat steak, baked potatoes, and salad for Christmas Eve dinner. Everyone brings appetizers and desserts to share.

The cousins, actually behaving and smiling. I think this was taken right before Dad, Bryan, Kate, Carrie, Ashley & I hit the road to attend the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Mom & Dad's church was holding this special service in their newly renovated sanctuary. Everything looked so nice and new. I think the girls really had a good time singing...especially at the end when they turned the lights down low and we got to hold lighted CANDLES, while singing "Silent Night, Holy Night". What a beautiful time together. I really wanted Kate to understand the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it each year.

Had to get a picture of Kate and Ashley in their matching Christmas gowns. Carrie had one too, but I think she found it too warm and too scratchy, so she took hers off.

And here's a picture of AV and David....wearing some cute, comfy pajamas. Yawn...it was time for the Sherman clan to pack up and head home. Christmas morning was going to be here before we knew it! And Santa still had to come for a visit...Nighty night!