Christmas Eve 2012, Kirkland Style!

Since we can't be with both of our families on Christmas morning, ever since we've been married Matthew and I have resolved to spend Christmas Eve with my family each year and Christmas morning with Matthew's.  It works out nicely and everyone seems happy with the arrangement.  One day we might switch it up a bit, for now it works for us.  For as long as I can remember, my family has gone to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at our church together and this year was no exception.  

We all gathered at my parents' house (Matthew's parents included) for a delicious Christmas Eve dinner prepared by my Mama and my sister.  It was a great way to kick off the Christmas Eve festivities!

My Mom goes way overboard with the gifts, don't you think????

Ridiculous!

 

 

Mine is the hot pink one!  =)

 

The manger scene that MeMe hand made for me before I was born.  This is so special to me, especially now that she is almost 93 years old.

 After dinner we exchanged gifts with MeMe

 

Kyndall helped...........

Thanks for the gift cards, MeMe!!

 

You can imagine my surprise when I started loading these pictures and came across THESE...........

 

Looks like Michael and Matthew got ahold of my camera while I wasn't looking.  Betcha didn't think I'd post them, huh Michael?  That will teach you to mess with my things!  =)

And this is the guy I'm marrying my sister off to in just four months?!?!  Nice.

 

After dinner we headed to church!

 

After church it was time for "PRIZES"!  (That's Kyndall speak for presents!)

Aunt Kelly and Uncle Michael got Kyndall a Leapster!

 

One of my wish list items was tickets to the Ellen Show.  Obviously, this isn't a reality---So my Mom got me the next best thing---The Ellen Hole-Y Cow Ball Launcher.  YES!!!

Kyndall quickly stole my Ellen cow for herself

 

 

Shooting people with the cow..........

My gifts to Mom and Kelly----Personalized baking pans.  Y'all know how I love my monograms!  =)

 

One of my favorites---My new monogrammed Columbia jacket!  I'm ready for the Tennessee weather!

 

 

My gifts to Michael and Kelly----Personalized "Thomas" Fishing Camp t-shirts!  If anyone loves to fish, it's these two!!

 

And for Dad, "Kirkland" Bait and Tackle

Love this crochet Minnie Mouse hat!!

 

Maybe this dinner plate will actually get my picky child to EAT!!

Piggy slippers from Mrs. Shanna!

 

As you can see, we had a wonderful Christmas Eve spent with my family!  Having a little one around always makes times like these more fun.  As Kyndall gets older, it just gets more and more exciting for everyone!  I love it!