Christmas Eve

Unfortunately we didn't really drive around and look at lights this year, but we did have a favorite display we just happened across.

Actually, Favorite might be a strong word. I still can't quite figure out this display.

Christmas eve day we celebrated with some good friends who came over to help us burn a pile of sticks.

This may have been Tyler's favorite part of the vacation.

Many hands make light work, but really only about 4 people did anything while the rest of us stood around and talked. I know the talkers had a good time, not sure about the workers.

This was Alex's reaction to being cut off from marshmallows.

It wasn't a very big fire (as the Asay bonfires go) but it really was that hot. You had to sacrifice your eyebrows to get a decently toasted marshmallow.

Alex just loved being with Grandma Asay, and followed her just about everywhere she went.

Heidi got friendly with the farm animals.

That night we celebrated with a wonderful meal. I even got addicted to pecan pie. We sang songs and did a live nativity. This was my favorite part. Everyone graciously participated.

Alex was Mary, and Heidi and I were shepherds.

Poor Heidi was getting sick right as we left on vacation, and it hit her HARD just before Christmas. She was so stuffed up and feeling terrible, it was awful. There were a few nights where Tyler and I took turns staying up watching movies all night while holding Heidi upright so she could breath. Christmas Eve she was just starting to get better, but this picture about sums up her sad pre-Christmas.

We opened up our PJ's that night and then put the kids to bed and played games while eating junk, it was a pretty fun time.