Tradition

It's been our tradition now to go to Cheesecake Factory for Christmas Eve dinner. We hit Crate and Barrel's elevator and escalator first (since we learned last year that they close early on Christmas Eve). The boys did awesome. We had a lovely dinner. Next to us was a family with FIVE boys! That poor woman! Our service was exceptional, so we had some time to run around the plaza's Christmas tree. There was an area Everett referred to as "the stage" where he and a little girl were putting on a show for everyone. Of course, little Lionel had to climb up there, too. He has really learned that he needs to do whatever his big brother is doing. Pete and repeat.

We headed home and got Santa's cookie ready. We also left carrots for Rudolph and celery for Clarice (Rudolph's girlfriend....if you haven't seen the "new" Rudolph special 100 times, like us, you might not know this.) And Mama and Dada watched "Love Actually" and helped Santa put out presents. Later in bed, as I watched "A Christmas Story", I realized that my boys are just like Ralphie and Randy! Everett is super serious like Ralphie and Lionel has many Randy tendencies, especially at meal time. Maybe I need to try the little piggy idea?