Christmas Eve...

Just the four of us spent Christmas Eve at home with no plans other than church and packing for our Christmas vacation...

We started that day at church and the children participated in the children's nativity scene...

On the way to church Cooper said, "I sure hope I can be a wise man".  When we walked in, they said want to be a wise man?  He was happy and these three may be the cutest wise men I ever did see!!!

Anna Lauren was a angel and was SO happy she got picked to carry the star...

Such a sweet morning watching these children participate in the service and even sweeter that they understand the "true" meaning of Christmas...

Anna Lauren was a beautiful angel!!!  No matter how pretty she is on the outside, I still pray often that her inside will be just as pretty.

Hate the picture is blurry, but look at this wise man...he did such a good job!!!

Thankful for a church that allows our children to participate and do things on their level so they will truly understand.

After church we grabbed lunch at McAlister's and then came home and put our pajamas on for the rest of the day.  And...we convinced Daddy to let them open a few presents that afternoon rather than waiting until after dinner.

The kids exchanged presents, and I think it's safe to say Cooper LOVED the cleats Anna Lauren got him.

For whatever reason, he is all about shoes right now so this was the perfect gift for him.

Big hug to thank his sister...

Anna Lauren was just as excited about the new bands Cooper got her for her Fitbit...

And then they got to open their one present from Daddy and Mommy  We told them all along it was only one, but they wouldn't care that they only got one once they opened it.

They get an ornament every year so they had an "idea" it was an ornament...

Sister totally got the surprise...

Helping Cooper understand...

Matt got some good pictures of Anna Lauren...

Cooper said he was just as excited, but he was just keeping it inside and not being LOUD like his sister...ha ha!!!

And what Matt and I had been keeping a secret for oh so long...a cruise this coming May!!!  We are all so excited and cannot wait!!!

We spent the rest of the day packing, had OEC for dinner, put out the reindeer food, and called it a night.  And...we agreed to let the kids set an alarm for 5:20 AM to see what Santa brought because we are crazy.  We should have turned off their alarm clocks, but really, it was fun to see their excitement!!!