Christmas Eve

After the Christmas Eve Vespers service at church (where Ty and I, along with 90% of the other children and parents in the church played in the lobby during the event because no nursery is provided during this service), we ran through the McDonald's drive-thru to cure a pregnant craving for a cheeseburger that I just couldn't conquer without an indulgence. We decided that, from now on, we'd have Christmas Eve dinner at McDonald's. I am all for that idea.

When we returned home, we loaded Tyler in his stroller and headed out for a walk in the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. Since it had been in the mid 70's all day, we decided that the evening ought to be pleasant enough for a stroll. It was. But, there was certainly a chill in the air, so Mamama's blanket served Ty well.

As expected, Tyler was enamored with all lights and inflatables and blinking things, especially at this house:

It was one of the main reasons we wanted to take Ty for a walk to see the lights. He just couldn't miss seeing this place. In fact, it's rather ironic that this time last year, when I was about a gazillion months pregnant with Ty, Papa Joe took my picture in front of this house, much to my chagrin. Now, I am looking for that picture so I can have the two side-by-side in Ty's book.

I was a little sentimental thinking about the miracle of it all and seeing that baby who was wiggling inside me last year, wiggle in delight in his stroller this year as he took in all the sights in that family's yard. So incredible.

After our walk, we changed into our Christmas p.j.s and prepared for Santa Claus's visit to San Antonio.

Tyler was decked out in his "Baby's First Christmas" pajamas and slippers, and he looked so precious.

I even had new Christmas pajamas so that Ty and I could both be super-festive.

This next picture documents our little daredevil's discovery that he could stand on top of the presents to reach higher on the bookshelf. He later pushed a UPS package across the floor to the larger bookcase to test his discovery there.

Our little Watson family is special just the way it is, but we are so thankful that it is growing.

Tyler tried to help Daddy read the Christmas story by pointing to the correct passage in Luke.

It was time to go to bed. But, wait! We don't go to sleep without opening one present on Christmas Eve. Tyler chose to open his gift from his friend, Kallie. He couldn't wait to watch his new movie on Christmas morning.

I'm not sure when Santa arrived in San Antonio, but I know it was late. Really late. At least his reindeer's hooves didn't disturb Ty's sleep.

Christmas Day post coming soon. There are approximately 500 pictures to narrow down!!