Something magical about Christmas Eve.

There is something magical about Christmas Eve. The festivities are beginning (one of my favorite annual traditions is having everyone to our house for Christmas Eve fondue) but the excitement is still there. The anticipation is high. This was the first year that both kids knew what was going on. They've been prepping with The Elf on the Shelf for a month, they've reached the last day on their advent calendar, they know all about the true meaning of the season and were very excited to go to church to celebrate Jesus, and they were eagerly anticipating Santa's arrival. This year, for Ryan and me, the anticipation of the big day was even higher...we had something special planned for Christmas day.

Our annual group picture at the end of the fondue evening. 

We had a great time at our fondue party. Two of our great friend families joined us. Of course, I was so busy having fun and entertaining that I didn't remember to bust our the camera until our annual group photo after everyone else had left.

And of course the night wouldn't be complete without milk and cookies for Santa and the reindeer food.

After the children were all snug in their bed (notice Kadyn's own Christmas tree that Santa brought him last year).