Christmas - part 2

We spent Christmas Eve playing and getting a good nap in before going to Nana and Papa's to open gifts. We were so happy Meme was with us for Christmas. The girls love having her with us as well. We went over right after their nap so they had time to play with everyone. Then Mom, who would give Paula Deen a run for her money, made a feast of gumbo, steamed shrimp, fried shrimp, crab claws and oysters. Not to mention chocolate pie...always a staple. After eating ourselves silly, we began the hours of opening gifts. Kevin and I love how we do it at our house, one at a time, giving everyone a chance to enjoy and see the gifts. Heck...we all spent so much time and money shopping for them! We should spend time enjoying them and the reactions they receive. Mom does an amazing job on stockings...all 15 of them. They are always exciting. The girls all got these rings that would light up when pressed in a strobe light type of way. They must have been super duper LED because we were all seeing stars. It was a wonderful time because everyone was happy, genuinely happy with each other and their gifts. We were amazed that Nora stayed up and was HAPPY! She didn't open the presents but would play with everything and didn't get fussy. Our favorite moment was when she saw the Madam Alexander Huggums doll from Nana and Papa. She squeeled and started having a conversation with the doll. It was really a priceless moment. Ava never cared about dolls. Nora is a different story. We didn't get home until late but we still had to get Ava to sprinkle the magic reinedeer dust over the yard (thanks Aunt Janna). She took the job very seriously and we covered both the front, back and side yard. Here is a slideshow of our Christmas Eve. Christmas day will be posted soon. Christmas is such a magical time isn't it? It's just perfect.