This year we had a very low-key Christmas. It was just the four of us for Christmas Eve, and I gotta tell you: it was a little weird.

We each opened one present. Megan was too busy reading the box to look at the camera. The kids each got a Disney hot chocolate set. We, of course, had hot chocolate as a treat before bed.



Then we took the traditional Christmas Eve picture.



Megan decided - all on her own - that Santa got enough milk and cookies from all of the other children around the world, so she would leave a healthy snack. She chose blueberries, celery, carrots, and apple juice.



As a special Christmas Eve exception, we let the kids sleep in the same room. Connor was a little stressed out by the idea, but Megan sweetly consoled him while singing a few songs. It was so sweet, and it worked.



Daddy and I wrapped presents and watched Christmas Vacation....is there actually anything else to do on Christmas Eve?

We did the traditional all day cousin Christmas at Gran and Papa's house. As usual, it was a fun mess. We ate lunch, played, and managed to squeeze in some present opening. All 7 kids truly enjoy each other and play so well together. The older ones, all 6 of them, "mother" - and sometimes borderline smother - Connor. It's so darn cute. He doesn't seem to mind much, in fact if he goes for very long without attention, he'll go stir some up from the kids.

I happened to catch a sweet moment between Megan and Papa.