Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is spent with Jack's side of the family for a day of family and traditions.
We start the day off with brunch at Granddad's house with Jack's Mom's side of the family - she's 1 of 5 children, which means there's lots of cousins and it's a fun time! All the cousins college age and beyond (which is now all but 2) participate in a Secret Santa exchange. This is such a helpful way for a big family to still participate in gift giving! Jack and I still like to have a little something for everyone, but it's not as much pressure, which makes it fun and something we enjoy doing.

4 Generations

The pictures above are with Kailey enjoying her 1st train ride on the "famous" train that Granddad housed in his basement. It was actually a gift that Jack's Father's Dad gave and it ended up at Granddad's house for all the grandkids to enjoy. Many memories were made with that train, so it was special for Kailey to start making her memories with it. It hadn't been out for quite a few years, but Granddad got a new battery for it and set it all up for Kailey - so special!

All the girl cousins

This year Kailey helped Aunt Michelle open her gifts and found a favorite...a new infinity scarf that was so soft and fuzzy and perfect for little Kailey! Eventually we switched her over to Grandma Ang's scarf, which she loved just as much!!

Uncle Greg as Santa for Kailey...let's just say from the tears she's not ready, hehe!

Jack's parents started a tradition quite a few years ago with Jack and Maggie of going to Oakbrook, finishing up the Christmas shopping and then having dinner at Maggiano's. This tradition has continued on when Joe and I came into the picture and now continues on with Kailey. Last year we were sick for Christmas Eve/Christmas with the flu (Joe, Jack's Mom and I) so we didn't make it to Maggiano's. This year was Kailey's 1st Christmas Eve Maggiano's dinner. It was a great, tasty time!!