Christmas Eve - just the beginning

We have found, as most young families find, that meshing the Christmas traditions is one of the most difficult to do.  There is some balance between bringing in your family traditions and making your own family traditions.  We are still learning with each year and I'm sure once the kids are older they will be able to help make those traditions!

Before we started opening family gifts, we read the true Christmas story.  This year Daddy Lion read from the Rhyming Gospels.  It was fun to listen to and Little Lion even finished some of the phrases.

Catching a rare smile from Little Pumpkin!

The chaos begins!  We always start off waiting and watching each other, but it's hard to be patient when you are 2!  You can see Little Lion in the background checking out some of his loot, while I help Little Pumpkin with a box.

This is the only picture I have from the evening of little lion without his tongue hanging out!  It's cute, but I'm worried it's not going away.  *sigh*  I also love the picture because you can see a sweet baby picture of Little Lion in the background!  SO amazing how fast time goes by.

I think Little Lion is making sure Little Pumpkin is not opening one of his!  *wink*

Daddy Lion ~ well, what can I say.  You ask for a smile and this is what you get.

Little Pumpkin loves her roll on soap.  Too bad she understand it only smelled like caramel apple!  I'm sure after the first couple of licks she got it.  No adverse reactions anyway.  *wink*

My sweet sis, Tia!  She was our photographer for the night!  Thanks so much for taking pics and hanging out with us.  We love having you around!

So, the first of our Christmas celebrations!