Christmas Eve 2014

We celebrated Christmas Eve in Elma with a small group (Coco, Poppy, Uncle Esteban, Ted, Reid, Will, and our family). The Ortmans were with the Ortmans and Jen was working. Despite our missing people, we had a wonderful time!

Elliott started the fun by lighting the tree. Oh!

Very proud of himself! Look at that handsome jacket. It belonged to Ted when he was wee.

Tree lighting in action.

Merry Christmas from the Dorens!

 

My mini me.

The kids played before dinner.

Hug? Nope. Headlock.

Lucy is so proud of herself when she puts them together. She's very good at it already!

Reid was interested in my giant wine glass. (Will slept through dinner)

Lucy wanted to hold Reid.

Hi, baby!

Our kids got their first taste of an amazing Buffalo tradition - cinnamon ice cream from Quaker Bonnet. Heaven on a spoon. They loved it!

Taking a break to play with the butter churner. Why not?!

When we got home, we did necessary Christmas Eve activities, starting with putting out magic reindeer food. Those freaky spots are Dutch's eyes.

The magic reindeer food helps Santa's reindeer find their way to our house.

We baked and put out cookies for Santa. Elliott insisted on carrots for the reindeer.

He was telling us which carrot was for which reindeer. It was really cute.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care.

All ready!

Santa's work was done (and at a reasonable hour this year!). Off to bed!

Pre-Christmas Misc

Jesse was scheduled to arrive home on Christmas Eve but made it back on the 19th (really 4 am on the 20th). We were so excited to have him back! He jumped right back in to Daddy role on Saturday morning while I ran a 5k. Lucy didn't seem to mind her hat at that moment.

We went to Elm Street Bakery after the race. We couldn't all fit at one table so Elliott and Poppy had a private table for two.

That night was the Carolcade in East Aurora. Small town living at its best. This was the 42nd annual gathering of people singing carols on Main Street in EA. They estimated over 3,000 people in attendance this year! We had out best encounter with Santa yet, facilitated by a candy cane.

Lucy spent the night in the backpack, watching the action.

Another day . . . 

Another "hat" for Lucy.

We were super proud when Elliott wrote his name on the chalkboard. We didn't know he could write until he wrote letters in the condensation on the Polar Express window. The next day at home, he wrote it on the chalkboard. Go, Elliott!!

Starting young in her appreciation of fine glassware.

Polar Express - 2014 Edition

We went on the Arcade & Attica Railroad Polar Express on the Sunday before Christmas. We had so much fun last year that we did it with a group again. This promises to be an annual event!

Boarding the train.

Colton on the train.

Lucy and her ticket, ready to go!

Hmph.

Elliott, hold your sister for a picture. Sure, like that is going to happen.

Waving to pedestrians and cars as we pulled out of the station.

Elliott, the elf, was pumped!

We were all so excited to have Jesse home a few days earlier than we expected!!

Lucy watching the world go by.

We arrived at the North Pole and got all bundled up. Elliott was understandably excited to watch the engine move from one end of the train to the other.

Munchkins!

Lucy gets quite loud when she doesn't get her way.

Winter girl.

We had hot dogs and hot cocoa at the North Pole.

Playing with the Strzelecs.

Elisa and Rachel on the way to see Santa. 

Silva Family.

Elisa was a bit nervous about seeing Santa.

Lucy checking out Santa's workshop.

I'm a sucker for crying baby Santa pictures.

Elisa waving goodbye to Santa.

Boarding the train to head back.

We went with a great group of families.

The Smiths (plus a few extra kids in this shot).

The Vesneskes (missing a kid in this picture).

The Silvas.

The Strzelecs (hooray for coming last minute when Ned got sick and the Ortmans had to miss out).

The Samsons.

Happy Lucy . . . 

Until Santa came on the train . . .

Sad/scared Lu.

These two hilarious men provided musical entertainment throughout the train.

We are already excited for next year!