Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a challenging one this year for our big boy! He had a rough day and we could not figure out why! He slept all night and took a good nap, but for some reason cried a lot! It probably didn't help that both Michael and I have been swamped at work and did not get any time off to prepare for Christmas. We were both running around like crazy trying to get Christmas presents last minute this year. Patrick had moments where he was great and then moments when he was crying for an hour non-stop. It was one of our most challenging days with Patrick to-date. In between the rough spots, we did have some good moments on Christmas eve. 

We decorated cookies and Patrick loved it. He thought decorating cookies meant pouring an entire bottle of sprinkles on a cookie then eating icing with a spoon. ha!

Sweet little Peyton giggled from his chair

After nap we headed to church. We go to the children's mass at 4pm on Christmas Eve and it is always packed. We were running a little late this year and didn't get there until 3:20, which was too late for a seat. It worked out well though because we just sat on a pew outside the church and could still hear everything. Our two little rowdy boys would have had trouble sitting there for an hour and a half anyway. Although Patrick did great trying to listen this year at mass!

After church we headed to Big and Allies for Christmas eve dinner.  Doesn't Patrick look so big? I can't get over how tall he has gotten!

Family picture

Whitson Family picture

Patrick's favorite gift was a "digger" and a truck from Mary and Lester. He played with it all night and was perfectly satisfied not to open any other gifts!

Peyton opening his first gift. Peyton was such a little trooper!

A monkey from Allie

Little cutie is always smiling

After presents we headed home to put the boys to sleep so Santa could come. The boys were exhausted and it was well past their bedtime! 

Santa might have gone a little overboard with the toys this year! 

Patrick's side (the dusty tunnel and piano are for both boys) 

Peyton's side

Even though we had a few tough parenting moments, I had a fun Christmas eve with my boys. Hopefully in the future I can get a little more time off beforehand so it can be a little less stressful for everyone!