Christmas Eve morning we picked up Ryker from the airport at about 11 and went to go out for brunch. Everyone wanted to try something different then IHOP and where we went last year but nobody had good suggestions. I finally said lets go to Le Peep, it is a breakfast and lunch restaurant and I have been there before with my friend Elaine Josi and thought it was good. We had fun catching up with Ryker and hearing about what he did with Anna's family and we also enjoyed being with each other.
After brunch we went over to the Village to participate in the Giving Machines. Our church started a few years ago placing Giving Machines in different areas around the world for charity. They are like vending machines but instead of little things of food to purchase you are purchasing charitable items. I have been wanted to participate since they first started these but they have never been local until this year. We headed over and got in line and were instantly a little miserable. It was a very cold day and having to stand outside in it was not fun. We decided to take turns going into the candy store to get warm and look around and that helped but boy was it a cold day. It was finally our turn at the Giving Machine and Kefford and I picked an item, Medical and Dental Supplies, and we let Ryker and Rylee pick their own items to give. Nutritious Meals for Ryker and Diapers and Wipes for Rylee.
We were able to talk to Avynlea again since it was Christmas Day for her and I enjoyed a little bit of one on one time with just me talking to Avynlea.
I made our Christmas Eve dinner and I made foods that I wanted to eat. I made homemade cranberry sauce, bread, funeral potatoes, ham and Strawberry Pretzel Jello. It was a delicious meal and I enjoyed all of it.
After dinner got cleaned up we gave the kids their Ornaments and new pajamas. I had Rylee give me a list of her favorite books currently and I got her a book ornament with all of those books listed. It turned out so cute and Rylee really liked it.
I got Ryker a light Saber ornament that had his name carved into, it was the Light Saber of Obi-Wan Kenobi who is his favorite Jedi and character from Star Wars. He was surprised by the ornament but really happy with it and like Rylee liked it a lot. I love getting ornaments for the kids that have meaning and represent something of them. Both of the ornaments this year were a 10 out of 10!
After the pajamas and ornaments we watched the Nativity together and some Christmas movies. It was a good night and I enjoyed the time with Kefford, Ryker and Rylee