christmas eve night

Larry's parents came for Christmas Eve dinner. Beef Tenderloin, scallop potatoes, fresh green beans, green salad and fresh fruit. It was so good [Thank you Kelsie and Abby]. My favorite part of having them over is the visiting we do around the table for hours after. The kids get to know their grandparents better as they talk about their memories. It was a good time.

After his parents went home, we opened our Christmas Pjs and books, read the Christmas story from Luke and took pictures. We made it an early night because Christmas morning comes awfully early... even with older kids :)

-Brenda

birrell family memories 2010

Our family slide show for Christmas Eve is ready to go. 750 of our favorite family 2010 pictures, along with favorite music from 2010, creating a time capsule of memories. We look forward to it every year. It turned out pretty good and is filled with memories that are too soon forgotten. But, put them together with music and the ordinary day to day memories become extra special. It is true what they say, most of our happiest memories are centered around home...

Kelsie was taking a quick look at it, when a picture of Josh popped up on it and there she stayed for quite a while, watching it over and over again. Phoebe would point and smile. Kelsie would gently say, 'my Jb'.

-Brenda

christmas eve breakfast

Kelsie and Abby looked forward to making orange rolls for Christmas Eve morning, by Pioneer Woman. It has been a huge blessing to have daughters that like to plan meals and bake... always trying new recipes and delighting us. Christmas Eve brought us a lazy day puttering at home which was the best gift of all... time.

-Brenda