On the Eve of Christmas Eve...

In addition to the Fox family celebration, which I already shared, we also managed to squeeze in some time in Hennessey over the holidays. It was a strange year because for the first time, we weren't all together. Zach and Maegan came down for Thanksgiving but stayed in Maryland over Christmas. We definitely missed them, but thanks to technology, they were still able to stay connected.

I had Christmas Eve Eve off, so I was able to head to Hennessey a few hours early and help with all of the prep for our family's Christmas Eve game night later that evening. With fewer people, this year was a little less hectic than last year, but it is getting harder and harder to organize as the number of kiddos grows.

Mom planned a few games that Quinn and Asher could sit-in on, and I think they enjoyed that. After we finished those, they each opened a gift that would entertain them for a bit while the adults played "A Christmas Story" trivia and Heads Up. It was bedtime for poor Olivia before most of the fun started, so she had to miss out.

 Matching cousin pajamas. Quinn thought Baby Fox might want to wear pink next year like the girls. We'll see about that. :) 

 

 We continued the tradition of decorated scorecards and Lisa got in on the fun this year. I have to say that Kyle's was my favorite, but I might be a little biased since I made that one. :)

 Quinn helping daddy with his Bingo board. Or stealing his Kisses, one or the other! 

 Team Scrooge did surprisingly well during the "name that Christmas carol" game. Asher shocked us all when he correctly guessed "We Three Kings."

 Opening their game night gifts. I missed Olivia opening up hers before it was time for her to head to bed. 

 There was a slight pause in the action while we face-timed Uncle and Maegan. 

 Play-Doh can entertain this girl for hours!

Kyle and I were exhausted by the end of the night. Our nights haven't exactly been restful lately between Kyle's coughing fits and my frequent trips to the bathroom. Unfortunately, that night was no better and we were wide awake by 7:30.

Josh and Stacy arrived by 8, and we had a delicious breakfast before digging into the stacks of presents. I think Asher and Ty were the most excited. Each of them had been eagerly eyeing their presents the night before. :) The opening went smoothly for the most part but there was a bit of a mix-up this year. Kyle and Josh each opened someone else's present so that added some extra comedy and intrigue to the morning. It's always fun to see the kids open presents and get so excited about whatever is inside. Quinn was excited about everything, even clothes. When she would open new clothes, she immediately took off what she was wearing to try them on.

After all the opening was done, the kids got to play around while Mom and Stacy got lunch ready. After that, it was time to pack the car and hit the road since Mom and Dad were on their way to Kansas that afternoon. 

 Forget Santa! Mamo's lap is where everyone wants to be on Christmas morning! 

 Asher was excited to help pass out presents this year. 

 He and Quinn each made a mug for Mamo and Grandpa.

 Olivia really got into the spirit this year! She carried this gift around for most of the morning before opening her shopping cart, which seemed to be her favorite.

 Daddy needed a little help putting it together. 

 When she wasn't trying on new clothes, this girl was half naked playing with Play-Doh. 

 Asher had LOTS of Legos to put together. 

 It didn't take him long, though, since he's such an expert at it.

 It was a warm day so Dad took Quinn outside to blow some bubbles. She asked him to go back in so she and Oliver could be alone. It was so cute!

 Uncle Kyle got in on the fun, too. 

 Baby Fox may not have a name, but he already has a stocking and got several gifts this Christmas. It should be fun to watch next year when he's part of the craziness! 

Overall, celebrating Christmas this year felt so different for me than last. We have so much excitement for the arrival of our little guy and all of the changes that will bring to our lives. Last year, I felt stuck. Almost as if our life was on hold. Going through that has definitely made me more grateful for the good years and sensitive to the fact that my "good year" might be a challenging year for someone else. My prayer is that you don't feel alone in your struggle and that until your tomorrows get brighter, you can feel the love, support and empathy you need to get through this season in life.