Christmas Eve!!

Rick and I hosted Christmas Eve this year and we had a wonderful time!

Alex by the downstairs tree--he was taking a break from playing the Wii.

Finishing preparing for dinner--me, my dad, Rick, and Gail

Dinner Time! The best attempt we could make at fitting everyone in the picture.

Rick and me! I bought a new apron for the holidays--trying to make myself seem like more of a real chef! :)


Close up!


And one more with Alex


Hurckes Family Picture

Jackie, Rick, and Cindy

Opening presents was chaotic this year. Alex was finally interested in the presents and wanted to open EVERYONES!! We made it through and then had a chance to enjoy our gifts and the company.




Alex got a policeman helmet and controller (I can't remember the real name). It talked to you, but he didn't quite understand yet.


But Carlo enjoyed trying it on!

And so did Gail!

Jackie with her new hat!

We got Alex a Cat in the Hat book. He loved it because it had pictures from the movie. Jackie loved it because she won't have just watch specific parts of the movie anymore--he can look in the book!

Lighting the Hannukah Candles! (and then moving them to a safer location so they wouldn't get knocked over)!

Grandma and Alex!

Mommy and Alex!!

Auntie Katie and Alex!

This is when the night got awkward--Cindy started asking Gail about her boyfriend. Jackie and I had to leave.

Finally, Andrea and Sinan arrived. Andrea's flights were canceled and Rick had to play travel agent to get her home on Christmas Eve, but it worked and she made it by about 8pm! Her and Sinan (her friend from Amsterdam and Turkey) at dinner and then opened their presents!

This is the look that Andrea gives Sinan and vice versa when she is explaining an American tradition or English word.