Merry Christmas Eve! Our wonderful tradition of Aebelskivers and sausage didn't change a bit this year, other than knowing we need to make more next year! Carl and his mom hang in the kitchen making the round pancakes (found in Solvang, mostly) and heating up the sausage. I get the house ready and make the mulled cider. We have a great dinner with Carl's Mom and Dad, his sister and her family, Great Uncle Kenton (to the kids) and of course, Us. This year was really nice and we all had a great evening. After dinner the guys and kids pack themselves into a couple of cars and drive around looking at Christmas lights. In our town there is one neighborhood who really does it full on! So they drive over there until we call them and let them know that the Christmas room is ready. When the troops are back home the bell rings signifying that the Kristkind has left the building! German tradition for those who don't know about the Kristkind. Different than Santa, of course, and a little closer to the real meaning of Christmas. Directly translated, Kristkind means Christchild, although I am a little fuzzy on the way a baby is supposed to do things on Christmas Eve. Anyway, Carl and his mom did another great job, making these tasty treats!

Cole and Grandpa had matching hats this year! Although, I think Grandpa just wanted to keep his head warm!

The Christmas room.... The tree, and the main present area.

The nice and warm fireplace (you can see that we don't put the "teller" too close to the fire! For those of you who don't know it...there is a doll house that was made by my dad for Kaleigh on the right side of the photo.

Kaleigh and Cole with the Christmas tree!

So to all of you from all of us! I hope you had a great Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas Day tomorrow! More photos coming later!