Tolomei Tidbits: Christmas Eve

We made it to Portland last Tuesday night, after John's last final that afternoon. We decided to head down before the next snowstorm which was forcasted to hit at midnight, and we are glad we did, because it snowed most of Christmas Eve morning. We were able to make it safely down and only had problems making the last corner down the block from my parent's home. Thankfully the guys just had to put their boots on and run down the block to help push our little Honda out of the snow.

Christmas Eve was relaxing. Michael made us a scrumptious dinner (Steak, Risotto, Spinach and Salad) and I made appetizers (Chicken and Veggie Baked Wontons) and dessert (Peppermint Cheesecake). After bathtime the kids got to open their new Christmas pajamas and get into them. They also opened a special gift that my Dad made each of them. My mom bought wallets for Emilio, Gabriela and Marco (Eloisa is too little still) and my dad designed a Driver's License for each child, complete with their picture, height and weight, address, etc. It looks like a WA license! He also put in pictures of each family member, a crisp dollar bill, and some fake money, pretend gift and credit cards, and 4 shiny quarters (curtousy of Great Grandma). The kids LOVED their new wallets and thought they were so cool.

Emily and I had been working with the kids on the Isaiah 9:6 verse for a week or so with the kids and they all had it memorized, so we had them perform it in front of the tree. They were so cute. Emilio was stoic reciting it, Gabi acted as if she was trying out for a Broadway production, and Marco goofed off the whole time throwing his body around during the performance (even though he knows the verse just as well). It was pretty cute/funny, etc. I really need to figure out how to get my videos up here so you can all see it.

We then sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and blew out candles on the dessert that I made. It turned out decent, I had my doubts. The kids put out milk and cookies for Santa and went to bed without a fuss. The adults arranged Christmas gifts and stockings, and then played a rousing game of "Hand and Foot" (card game).

Gabi and Karen Rose (Andrew's girlfriend) and Nana (Cheryl).

Michael and Nonno (Dad). Don't let my dad fool you. He only dressed up on the top, and wore sweats on the bottom. He thought he was so funny, okay maybe he did get a few laughs from us.