Christmas Eve...

You guys, sometimes I catch a glimpse like this in real life and I just know, yep... life is good.

And when that glimpse is caught on Christmas Eve?

I mean, Geez, Christmas... you basically done good kid.

Exceeded all my expectations and then some, you know?

So... Let's start on the Eve --

And while we're at it, let's start at Sundance, shall we?

Who almost fell over dead right there at all that cuteness?  I know, I know, a thousand times, me too!

These boys started their skiing career on the bunny hill this holiday.  To say they exceeded my expectations would be putting it mildly.  They loved it.  They were naturals.  And next year we'll insert Acey's little mug right here, where these words are typed.  I can barely wait.

They caught on so quickly and soon were chanting, "Higher... higher... higher...  Take us all the way up to the top, OK?"  And then they would "french fry" all the way down to Daddy-o.  No pizzas were to be found with our two little skiiers.  Because really, who wants to go slowly?  These gents... They feel the need for speed.

There were only a couple of moments that looked like this.  And if I'm being honest, they were voluntary.  You know, every good skiier knows when he needs a little rest.

But mostly I just want to lick them up, my sweet little popsicles.  Man... Christmas Eve skiing -- it just might be a new tradition in the making.  OH what fun.

Especially with blue skies like these and this guy... the one with the rugged good lucks and the dimple.

And then we moved on to more reverent "in theory" things.  Like the Christmas Nativity with the family.  Where my two little shepherds and one wise man were in full costume and looking mighty fine.

A pre-show hug between Dax and cousin Zane for good luck.

You know, "Break a leg" and all that jazz...

The fine art of "warming up the audience" demonstrated by Ace a Spades...

He does indeed have Grandma wrapped around those little fingers.

And, Action...

The story of the Christ child was recounted with flair.  I loved every little detail.  The wise men who brought a bottle of olive oil, a wrapped box and some Andes Mints, the shepherd riding the bouncy horse, the baby Jesus who was actually a white teddy bear.

The sweetest story told in the sweetest most make-shift fashion.

Followed promptly by curtain call...

Bravo, Gardner Grandkids, Bravo!

Insert presents from Grandma & Grandpa Gardner...

And insert hugs from Daddy followed by a timely call from Santa!  And then the race was on.  They could not get home, out of the tub, and in their PJs fast enough.  Their beds were calling and those obedient little men marched themselves right to la-la-land in record time.

Ry & I just laughed and grinned like lunatics recounting the amazing day with our incredible little family of men.  Seriously, being a parent during Christmas is the best kind of wonderful.

We hope that your Christmas was filled with love and family and happiness.  And that your holiday "happys" continue through the new year.  Keep up the good work! 

-XOXO-

The Gardners