Christmas Eve with the Arning Bros.

We had a fun, but very busy, Christmas Eve at the Arning household. I always forget how long it takes to make Christmas cookies... make the dough, roll it out, cut it into shapes, bake, let cool, then decorate which, in and of itself, takes forever... especially with a 3- and a 5-year old. (Note to self: Next year, bake cookies a day early and decorate on Christmas Eve.)

In between baking and decorating, we all went to church. The Christmas Eve service is always so wonderful and festive. It really puts things in perspective. I love all of the singing we get to do at the Christmas Eve service. You just can't beat "Silent Night" holding candles. Makes me cry every time!

After church it was time to decorate our cookies. Well, truthfully, I'm the one who decorates. Charlie and Chase are more of the taste testers and sprinkle dumpers. To say we make a big mess is an understatement. Regardless, it's fun for all. (And, I enjoy a Christmas cookie or two myself... ok, maybe three or four!)

Afterwards, we set out our cookies for Santa and then headed upstairs to read our final two Christmas books. (Side note: I wrap 25 Christmas books at the beginning of the season and the boys open one book each night every day in December. The boys love it!)

This year, I found a book called "The Pajama Elves." It tells the story of how there are certain elves that do nothing but make special pajamas just to wear on Christmas Eve. These pajamas are magical and as soon as you put them on, they put you in a sweet sleep so that Santa can visit your house and deliver your presents without being noticed. So fun! After we read "The Pajama Elves," the boys put on their pajamas and then we opened and read the final book of the year, "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

All in all it was a great day. Charlie was SO EXCITED all day long that he was quite literally buzzing with excitement. He couldn't contain himself. Chase was another story for another blog. We love him dearly, but good grief can he test us! Holy cow. Long story short, he was a PILL! Just ornery and fussy beyond belief. He's lucky Santa still brought him any presents!

Anyway, here are a few photos of our festive Christmas Eve. I sure will miss these days when the boys are all grown up...

This is our elf, Scout. Christmas Eve is his last day at our house.
It's a very sad day when he leaves. We miss him!
This year, he left Charlie and Chase a note... and a little advice. :)

Here we are decorating Christmas cookies. Chase went straight for the sprinkles.
Charlie did, in fact, decorate a few cookies, but then dove into the sprinkles so as
not to be outdone by little brother.

I love that I have all of these wonderful pictures of me with the boys.

Doesn't Chase look happy?
(This was one of the few times he was happy on Christmas Eve.)

Charlie asked me to compose a note to Santa. He signed it himself.
Here he is posing with his note to Santa.
This little boy was SUPER EXCITED that Santa was visiting our house.

And, if you're wondering, here's a close up of the note so you can read what it said.
Straight and to the point.

The boys laid out cookies and milk for Santa and celery for the reindeer.

Our annual attempt at a Christmas Eve hug.
(These boys really love each other. Truly.)

Here's Mike reading "The Pajama Elves."

And the boys opening their pajama presents.

Once they were in Christmas pajamas, it was time to open the final book of the year...
"Twas the Night Before Christmas."
(Don't they look super cute in their pajamas?)

The Arning men on Christmas Eve... L O V E !