Christmas Eve

 Grandma C. made headbands for the girls

 The better batter whisk--the hot item for Christmas this year!

 Audrey's favorite present

 Ella received a special book from Grandma C.  It is entitled E is for Ella and is a scrapbook of her first three years.  Very sweet. 

 Rockin' out to the new keyboard

 Such a musical pair!

We usually celebrate Christmas Eve with Mike's family.  Our main present this year was riding the Polar Express.  We also bought presents to fill stockings.  It was a nice cozy evening, complete with musical entertainment.  Mike and Carolyn were present, even though we didn't manage to get them in any of the pictures.  Hmmmmm...how did they manage to escape the camera? I'm sure they looked all cute for Christmas Eve too!  :)     

Polar Express Pictures

 Will trying to look out from under his Santa cap

Ella and her fancy princess crown

 The anticipation...

 Getting excited!

 Auntie Kristin

 Chatting it up with the elves

 Dancing with Chef Amy

 Ella's faces crack me up!

 Audrey's face is just classic!  Who is this dude and why am I sitting in his lap?

 Will and Ella know the routine

We all got aboard the Polar Express to get into the holiday spirit with Mike's family.  We started out with brunch at Kristin's place.  Then it was over to the train station.  It ended up being a fun train ride for the kids.  It's great to experience Christmas through their eyes. 

Will's Christmas Program

 Ringing the jingle bells

 Not sure if you can tell how serious Will looks in this picture.  He was really concentrating on the clapping!

We were so proud of Will.  It was exciting to watch him perform!  The first of many performances, I'm sure! 

The Start of Our Christmas Festivities...Sea of Lights

 Jeff and Desiree trying to stay warm.  I'm sure Jeff is making some wise crack to me in this picture!

 Sisterly love :)

 Reaching over to check out the animals in the touch pools

 Love this ferocious face! 

 I think he's pretending to be an alligator!

 Getting tired...

All worn out

Every year the aquarium has an event called the Sea of Lights.  We were able to get together with Mom, Dad, Jeff and Desiree.  The night started out with dinner at the Chowder Bowl--our favorite place to eat in Newport.  Then it was on to the festivities.  It was a little crazy at the aquarium with so many people, but it was fun just to be together with the family.  The kids always have a great time at the aquarium.  Hope you enjoy the pics!  More Christmas pictures to come, even though it's January!