Christmas Eve

We usually spend Christmas Eve with Ricky and Dougy and we go to the Homestead for dinner. This year Ricky is spending Christmas with Kendall's family so we decided to change it up a little. As many of you know, and some who don't, Doug has befriended many of the African refugee children in Manchester. He acts as a big brother of sorts to many children. He takes them to the Y, the library, helps with homework, etc. he spends a lot of time and money on these children and he loves every second of it!.
We decided to have 10 kids over for Christmas Eve! We made gingerbread houses, had pizza, and they all got several presents each! For almost all of the children, it will be the only Christmas they have.
It was a wonderful day. As the children opened one gift at a time, they would clap for each other and Emily would play the drum! The excitement the kids showed over their gifts was indescribable..... such joy you could not imagine, over football gloves, or a CD, or a diary. The kids were like bottomless pits while eating the pizza, they all at at least 5 pieces each!
Emily loved having them here and was in her glory all day!

making gingerbread houses

watching Junior open his football

Betty, one of my favorites

playing the drum as the kids open presents

Emily and the kids

Dougy and the kids