Christmas Eve

A few weeks ago we realized this Christmas Eve would be special, because for the first time in 8 years we would be in the same state as the MacKays for Christmas!!  And since the Murrays would be in CA for Elizabeth's new baby, (and I was ready for a break from the Temple Square lights anyway) we should definitely hang out with the MacKays for Christmas Eve and act out the Nativity! And go out to dinner so we didn't have to cook.  YES.

So we got together and it was just as awesome as we had hoped.  Very chill and fun.

Here's the Nativity pictures- note to self: get this on video next time!

Natalie and Whitney were angels who had practiced their part ahead of time!  Here they are announcing to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God.

Allison suggested for these two to be Mary and Joseph and it was PERFECT. SO ADORABLE.

and apparently Owen has a tradition of riding a donkey too when he is Joseph. :)

Knocking on the innkeeper's door.

The baby is born!

Next: the Shepherds.  Maris and Caleb.  This one is taking very good care of her lamb.

These angels were very joyful and sang beautifully.

And the shepherds made their way to the stable.

One shepherd even got to touch the baby while Mary wasn't looking.

me, Eric, and Katelyn as the 3 wise men.  And we started spontaneously singing We Three Kings as we walked!

visiting Herod.

And presenting our gifts to the baby.  watched by the shepherd, who came back for the occasion.  It could have happened!  Also Kent was an excellent narrator.

Then we went to Brick Oven.  Allison kindly let the girls ride with them and they made up songs for the whole 10 minute drive.

yay Brick Oven.  Not sure why I look so large haha.

On the way home and until bedtime, owen was obsessed with the NORAD Santa Tracker!  He checked it every 2 minutes!

And here are the kids putting out their stockings on Christmas Eve, so excited!!

Next year: need to sing Christmas carols around the piano!

It was 10:30 before they were finally all asleep, and apparently the girls were awake from 1-4am!!  Just reading and stuff because they couldn't sleep!  Haha crazies.