Christmas Eve 2006

So we've been meaning to post about Christmas for a long time now and just have been to busy to actually sit down a do it.

We started our Christmas Eve by going to church at the St. Louis MCC, which is a wonderful, open-minded, and energetic congregation in St. Louis. We used to go there all the time when Susie lived in Jerseyville, and it was really nice to get to start off our holiday in a worship community that is so upbeat.

When we got home, we spent most of the day cooking for the night ahead as well as the next day. Around 6:00 the Spanglers started to arrive. Although we didn't get to see them for long, it was nice to get hugs all round before heading off to church.

At our second church of the day (aren't we good?) we got to see the Lohni clan and enjoy the traditional Christmas Eve St. Paul's service.

After church, we went to Mom and Dad Bloome's for "snacks" and opening presents. This year, in addition to the usual snacks, Mom Bloome tried some new recipes: chicken wings (yes), bean dip (yes), artichoke dip (yes), and broccoli dip (no). As you can see, it was a good spread.

Then it was on to the main event, presents. We all took turns, and we all got some great presents. Jerry loved his Jeff Gordon universal remote control. Angie may never get to watch what she wants on tv again. Angie loved the cranberry wine, and she loved the sparkly red sequined stocking it came in even more. Dad got his usual almanac and a new fishing pole that he couldn't wait to try out. Mom got a pedometer to measure how far she walks, and Rachel got a commemorative coin for the St. Louis Cardinals victory in the World Series. Susie got some good smelling candles. The biggest hit of the night, though, was Grandma's new cardinal slippers. Rachel found these from the National Wildlife Federation, and we knew Grandma would love them.

It was a lovely evening shared with loved ones.

Here are a few more pictures of the evening.