Branz Family Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve day, we gathered at Grandma and Papa's house to have soup for lunch and then open presents during the afternoon with the whole family. The main highlight for the boys was their Polar Express train that they really, really wanted. They also got a very cool Tractor with an auger wagon (which actually turns!) and a large semi truck. They got a neat fishing pole game (it works with magnets), and Wyatt got an adorable polar bear which is oh-so-soft that he just loves! And so much more, it was a present opening frenzy!

Here's Wyatt enjoying the Jingle Bells singing Snowman!

At 5:00 pm we met at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Gresham (Great Grandparents' church) for their candle light service. Traditionally, the children of the congregation walk up to the front of the church at the start of the service to place baby Jesus (a doll) in the wooden manger. This year Clayton and Reese were the only kids there that could do it! They did an amazing job, and we are so proud of them! They were also in charge of handing out the candles to all of the adults as they walked in the door, such great helpers!

After church, we gathered at Great Grandma and Grandpa Branz's house for drinks and snacks and family pictures. It was such a happy time to have the cousins play. Wyatt and Quin especially seem to have a special bond, and when we were having them say goodbye at the end of the evening, Wyatt pulled Quin in for a head bonk, and then slobbered on her nose to give her a kiss; it was so sweet!

This video is long, but it's a slideshow (and a few snippets of video) from the whole day!

When we got home, we set out Santa's milk and cookies under the tree, and even a carrot for his reindeer!