Christmas Eve

The Blews are here in Florida to spend the holidays with family. Because they are like family to us, the Augustines made the four hour drive and crashed their family time for a little bit. We are so grateful that Julie's mom and dad are so sweet and didn't mind adopting a Filipino/Italian family for a couple of days. It was truly a memorable time spent *shopping*, eating, and just hanging out catching up with each other.

We said our goodbyes to the Blews and headed back home just in time to make some cookies for Santa and change into our church clothes for Midnight Mass. Even though Grace's sleep schedule had been completely disregarded the previous nights, there were no sleep issues on Christmas Eve, especially when I reminded her that Santa doesn't come to visit unless all the children are asleep.

*We spent five hours at the outlet mall and didn't hit up nearly enough stores as one would think with that amount of time. That's because the little rugrats refused to cooperate. The pair were partners in crime, crying in tandem until we let them out of their strollers. And once they were free, it was like trying to get a wild animal back into it's cage- darn near impossible. Impossible also describes how one shops with two toddlers in tow. But they were so cute with their double-trouble antics that it was also impossible to get too mad at them.

Gracie and Grace may not have enjoyed shopping, but they sure did like their bath!

However, there was a bit of conflict when it came time to open gifts. It didn't matter whose name was actually written on the gift tag, they both strongly believed the gift was their own.

We wished the rest of the FABE 4 girls could be with us, but they're always with us in spirit. We missed you Jojo and Melanie!

Hanging out by the pool.



Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, Julie's parents, for your kind hospitality!

Quickly decorating Santa's cookies before heading out to Midnight Mass.

All dressed up and ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday!