Completed
Advent Wreath

Preparations

Suzanne flew into Illinois late on December 23rd.  We put her right to work bright and early on December 24.

It took 4 Peterson's (Laura is behind tree) to get the lights on.  

Suzanne handled making the traditional butter cut out cookies.  

Of course, it wasn't all work.  We also observed our Christmas Eve gift exchange.  Since the girls were little we have observed the Spilsbury tradition of opened one Christmas present on Christmas Eve to Mike's dismay.  In the last few years I have actually given all of us pajamas to wear on Christmas morning but this year we changed it up for a 'sock exchange.'  We drew names and each person was to buy a pair of socks to give to the gift recipient.  They also had a limit of $10 to use to buy items to fill those socks.  Laura received S'more socks and Suzanne received Basset Hound socks.  Both girls got angel earrings and brand new flashlights too.  

Suzanne gave Emily Texas socks.  She didn't want Emily to forget her 'roots'.  

Also found in Emily's socks.  

Emily gave me socks that matched my brown boots and in the socks was a scarf.  

Laura gave Mike 'meat' socks filled with candy.
I think Mike is finally getting into this Christmas Eve present exchange.
Good going Laura!