Christmas Eve at the original Heimer Haus

Hayes was packed and ready early with anticipation of his first trip to Nana's.

Our holiday gathering at the original Heimer Haus, Nana and Papa's, began in the early afternoon.  The Witherspoons have missed the last two years with sickness so it was a delight to have them join us.  Ben got right to asking Ian to tackle him and Ian responded as usual with requests to play legos.  Those two have a shared excitement to see each other and that's where their similarities end. We got an interesting peek at Luke this visit, who is even quieter than Ben was at his age, but who is quite the cute instigator and rough-houser with his big brother.

The boys opening their annual Radko ornaments.....

The snacks the treats were abundant and we munched from lunch right through to dinner.  Nana had recently had her hip replaced, and by the late afternoon wasn't feeling like she could make it through mass.  We all stayed home with her and continued rounds of opening gifts, snacking and "helping" the boys play with their toys.

How many brilliant men does it take to figure out a couple remote control dudes??

Papa Jim delighting in Ryan being TOLD by Ian just as he had been minutes earlier.

There's no part of Christmas that's not better with a puppy on your lap. 

We headed home just as the princes began to turn into devils.  Nearly and hour of running wild and screaming may have pushed, at least our prince, right over the edge.  He always wants to be around kids, but days of jam-packed kiddo fun wear on our only in ways I don't give enough credit to.  

Our new neighborhood lights the luminaries on Christmas Eve, as is Southwest US tradition.  It's a fundraiser for the swim team and I cried beautiful tears all the way up the hill.  As some might remember from last year's luminary post, my grandparents ENTIRE town in Arizona lit luminaries on Christmas Eve.  I remember being just as excited to leave mass for the presents as I was for the lights, and asking my dad to take me out after dark to see them again.

There is a lengthy video here, if you want a glimpse of the magic.  Unfortunately, YouTube muted the Christmas music-oy!

Our cul-de-sac.  Next year ours won't be blocked by the hideous evergreen bush. ;)

Huge thanks to Nana, Papa, and the Witherspoons for a delightful gathering.  Time together, laughter, kids making memories, and a little sparkle, are the magic of this season for me and this day was filled with all of that.

We set out cookies, milk and carrots through tears of exhaustion and headed to bed.  Ben was not comforted by the thought of Santa in his house and demanded he not come while he was sleeping.  We assured him everything would be ok and by morning, it was.