Our Christmas Eve

I say this every year, but this was seriously my most favorite Christmas ever!  We
absorbed every moment, took time to say all the things you never say, held onto each
other a little tighter.  This year was filled with so much magic, thoughtful expressions of
love.  We were surrounded by people we hold most dear and experienced countless
moments of appreciation.  It was everything I had dreamed it would be and more.

On Christmas Eve, we hosted about 50 members of my family at our home for our
annual holiday party.  We cooked chicken and sausage gumbo, had a Christmas carol
sing along accompanied by the guitar talents of Shawn and my brother, helped the
children make special cards for Santa, and then talked late into the night next to our
outdoor fireplace.  The adults played a super rowdy game of "Dirty Santa" and the kids
all received new pajamas from Santa.  Brees and her other baby cousins had a baby
slumber party in her nursery, tucked away in their fleece footie pajamas and lulled to sleep
by the sounds of their Cajun family.  We danced to our favorite tunes under the twinkly
porch lights and stole a few kisses under the mistletoe.  After our last guests left, Shawn,
my mom, and I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking, laughing, cleaning,
and awaiting Santa's arrival.  As we went to bed that night, I laid my head on my
husband's chest, the sound of my baby snoring next to my bed, and whispered prayers
of thanks for all of our blessings.
For they are so many.

And a little video for your holiday viewing pleasure...