The Eves...

The morning after the show, Emily was in the Christmas spirit and enjoyed looking through her Disney On Ice program. 

It was December 23rd, the eve of Christmas Eve and after a quick trip to the grocery store, Emily made some cupcakes...

with Daddy.

They made dragonfly cupcakes, from Emily's cupcake cookbook - a Christmas gift from Uncle Reagan, Aunt Sarah, Lauren, Cole and Cooper.

The next morning, Everett came running out shouting about it being Christmas Eve...

and the fact that Mimi and Papa had arrived while he was sleeping! He stuck close to Papa during breakfast...

and then visited the hearth to delight in Lorey's set up...

before going upstairs to play.

Mimi was up there crafting with Emily...

but Everett got in on it too.

We had a very leisurely day, as you can see by the fact that the kids were still in their pajamas for our early dinner. 

But within minutes of finishing dinner, Emily was ready to go to mass!  She even had some extra time for a dance with Papa.

After mass, we took a few family pictures...

and kid pictures...

(with creepily lit faces)

before taking Mimi and Papa to see Candy Cane Lane.

Emily was insistent that Mimi see the penguin display...

and she also enjoyed the falling snow at one house.

Speaking of falling... I climbed in the back of the car (since I was riding in the way back) and what started out as a silly joke turned into a very hysterical situation.  With her priorities in order, Mimi reached for the camera before anything else.  She documented my initial position and laughter...

and also that things got worse before they got better.

But, I want these pictures to be seen by Emily and Everett (and my grandchildren) for years to come.  Proof that I can appreciate a good photo op, regardless of the subject or how unfortunate the position.  Life is made of memories - and I love the funny ones!

Once I was seated properly in the car, we were able to drive home where Emily decorated a cupcake for Santa.

Of course, that initial sprinkle was not nearly enough so she did a taste test of silver sprinkles...

and applied them.  Followed by colored dots...

and red sugar.

Finally, it was just right!

Without disturbing Santa's MOUND o' sprinkles, Emily and Papa cleaned up the plate a little...

which left her teeth NOT so clean.

But, with a few more additions, Santa's plate was all ready and placed in the living room...

and we were all off to bed.  Merry Christmas Eve!