It was Christmas eve and the troops were getting restless. So sweet Aunt Landy let the kids in a round of the Larry Game.

“Lay down, be perfectly still…”

“and just stay there…”

Meanwhile, big sandwich preparations were in full swing. Potato salad and bacon made. Meats and cheese out on platters. Veggies cut and set out.

After they got over the Larry game trick, we turned on a Christmas movie, and the kids we nice and calm for a minute.

Prayer was said, dinner was served, Grandpa was silly.

My little sandwich.

After dinner, the cousins got into their Christmas Jammy’s, provided by the eternally thoughtful Auntie Malia.

Grandma showed the kids a book with lovely pictures and told the Christmas story.

Then we did the annual reading of “Why Giving is Nice.”

Grownups were set, it was time for kids Presents to be opened.

Some of the best reactions of the whole holiday were that night, from the kids opening gifts from their siblings and cousins.

Then sweet Ethan read up an essay that he had written about how much he loves his crazy family.

Tears were shed, it was very sweet. Love this sweet boy.

Meanwhile back at the Airbnb, we had a big cousin sleepover, and watched Jingle all the Way.

The kids were up way past their bedtimes, and mine passed out first. Maybe only after Aubry.

Christmas is coming…