A Moore Christmas Eve

Historically, we have held Christmas Eve at my Grandma Moore's house. This year my aunt offered her newly remodeled restaurant-turned-house to host the Moore family Christmas festivities. First we feasted on ham sandwiches and finger foods, next we dashed to my home church, Overbrook United Methodist, for Christmas Eve service, and then finally, we returned to the house for gift opening.

It was another memorable Christmas Eve service. This time I remembered the camera, but wished I had videoed it instead. You may remember last year's Gabe on a Mission episode from the church service. If you've forgotten you can revisit those memories here. The children's message was the same this year. The pastor asked all the children to come forward and then asked them to help her demonstrate the nativity scene. First she asked the children to name the major players. After several other children spoke up about Mary, Joseph, the angels, the sheep, and so on, Gabe piped up with a long list of animals that may or may not have actually been there that beautiful night so long ago. When the pastor asked for volunteers for the different roles Gabe spoke up quickly to be a sheep. And in true actor fashion, he and the other littles crawled around the stage like little sheep. All the parts had been handed out except for Mary and so the pastor asked, "And who would like to be Mary?" And, my bright attention starved two year old responded, "Me! I want to be Mary!"

Um. No.

Moving on....

Back at the ranch, the kiddies opened their presents and then they attempted (unsuccessfully) to build a child pyramid while wearing their new pajama wear handmade by my mom. Then they dog pile/wrestled and had a good old time.

And there were sheep, camels, cows, horses, giraffes,
elephants, zebras, and panda bears.

Not really.

Baa, baa!

And a candy cane for everyone.

Tractor!

From left: Trenton, no that's not Justin Bieber, it's Drew, Lauren,
Amber, Rhys, and Haylee.

And down in front: Bryson and Gabe.

Dog pile!

Attempting the pyramid.

Wait---is that Justin Bieber?!

Nope, just Drew.

What a fun bunch of kids.

And, this is as close as they got.

Dog pile...again!

Air, Trenton needs air!

How about a nice cousins in matching pjs picture?

Awww...that's better.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good....

Oh, no you don't.

Still more Christmas posting to come. :-)