When we were putting the boys down for nap, we told them that they needed to go to sleep because when they woke up, we would be closer to opening up presents. Well, Wes took this to heart. When he woke he immediately let out a cry so we knew he was awake. I went into the room to get him so he would not wake his partners in crime. He came out of the room and was as happy as he could be. He stood up at the top of the stairs and immediately said "open, presents." As soon as I said that we had to wait until everyone arrived, he fell to his knees and cried.... more waiting?!?! Nooooooo........ I was able to convince him to hang out with Grandma for a little while. They watched some Oprah in her room and he laid down to get some more rest.
Once everyone was awake, it was time to get dressed and wait for the guests to arrive. Here is our best attempt at a family photo. Everyone is looking at the camera except Mommy. That's funny. I am also not sure why we stand in front of the tree since we almost completely cover the entire tree.
The best group picture of the boys. They were very excited. This excitement created two over cheesers and one upset fella. Jared did not get his full nap and remained a bit off balance the remainder of the evening.
Andrew was in love with the camera on Christmas Eve and the camera loved him.... 
"Where is everyone? I am ready to open these gifts!"....
Another great shot of Andrew that I could not resist posting. Note Wes in the background trying to break into some presents a bit early. He could not resist! It's almost time Wessie, hang in there!
As stated previously, Jared was a bit off balance because he did not get his full nap. Love this face...
Jared, taking after his father, has become our clean freak. He loves to clean things. He will insist that something be washed if it gets dirty by saying "wash it Mommy, wash it." In this picture, he had a diaper wipe and was cleaning the presents.,.. 
The boys love visiting Grandma because they usually get whatever they want. They particularly love drinking whatever Grandma is drinking; coffee, diet coke, water, it doesn't matter. They just want "drink, drink, drink." Grandma is always willing to oblige...
The boys love their Aunt Kim. Wes and Aunt Kim...
Aunt Kim and Andrew.... 
It's TIME, it's TIME, it's TIME!! The waiting is over, we can finally exchange gifts! Before the boys settle in to open the presents with their names on them, they needed to hand out all of the gifts they brought. I felt it was important for the boys to understand the joy of giving gifts in addition to receiving them. Prior to Christmas, Daddy and I took the boys to do their Christmas shopping. We took the boys to the Dollar Tree so they could shop with freedom and independence. We would tell the boys who to shop for, position them in an area that had items the recipient may like and told them to shop. Whatever they selected was what was selected... yep, whatever! The boys had fun and actually make some good selections. Some people ended up with duplicate items because two of the boys picked the same thing for someone but you can't have enough of a good thing!Before the boys could open up their gifts, they had to hand out all of the gifts they brought for everyone. They had a really good time giving out the gifts. Andrew's gift for Grandma...
Wes' gift to Uncle Lance...
Jared's gift for Grandma...
I also need to take a moment and explain why Jared's shirt is untucked above. Before we started to open presents, Grandma said 'where's Jared.' I looked all over and started to panic because I could not find him. Then, I heard the water running. I opened the door to the bathroom to find Jared "washing hands" with the assistance of a cup from dinner. Let's just say he used plenty of water!Back to giving out gifts! All the boys give Aunt Kim her gift from the Darnell family (gifts not purchased at the Dollar Tree)...
Well boys, you have waited all day and handed out your gifts, it is finally your turn. Let's go!Andrew opens a SpongeBob Memory game...
The boys were so excited with pure innocence and amazement at each and every gift. No matter what they opened, they were over the moon with excitement. It was a true joy to experience. Wes opens a Stomp game from Uncle Lance and Aunt Kim...
Andrew opens a Mickey Mouse reader from Uncle Lance and Aunt Kim...
Wes meets his new Grinch. Each of the boys received a Grinch and the Grinch book from Uncle Lance and Aunt Kim (they sure know how to spoil the boys!)...
New remote control trucks...
BUZZ.... 
WOODY... 
And while she is not pictured here, the boys also received Jessie to complete their trio! I was worried about whether they would like her so we kept pushing Jessie in the weeks leading up to Christmas.Andrew opens up our new Big Boy bedding from Nana and Pop-pi.... LOVE IT...
Even though the boys are growing up very very fast, they are not too old to enjoy the Christmas boxes...
Careful Wessie.... 
WOAH...
Jared hangs out with Aunt Jeanie... 
And tests out Buzz Lightyear's karate chop action...
Wes playing with our new personalized stool from Grandma. It says "Darnell" and has cut-out puzzle pieces... 
The boys, especially Andrew, loved watching Zack play with his new remote control car (from us). Zack took it outside and the boys were chasing it around the driveway. The boys had a blast! 
After all the presents were unwrapped and we played with them, the night was coming to an end. When everyone was preparing to leave, Andrew was very unhappy because he did not want anyone to leave....
We made out pretty well on Christmas Eve... Grinches - Uncle Lance and Aunt Kim
Stomp Game - Uncle Lance and Aunt Kim
Mickey Mouse Reader - Uncle Lance and Aunt Kim
Tommy H Shirts - Uncle Lance and Aunt Kim
Soothing Lamb - Aunt Laurie
Pajamas - Aunt Pam & Zack
Stool - Grandma
Toy Story Backpacks - Grandma
Big Boy Bedding - Nana & Pop-pi
Monsters Inc Movie - Pooka
Memory Game & Chutes and Ladders - Mommy & Daddy
Remote Control Trucks - Mommy & Daddy
Blankets - Mommy & Daddy
Toy Story Toys - Mommy and Daddy
The boys did OK!!
After having such a great time and receiving so much on Christmas Eve, it was hard to focus the boys on settling down to go to sleep. Leading up to Christmas, they equated Santa with presents. Since they received so many presents already, they did not care very much about getting in bed so they could receive more. We involved the boys in hanging up their stockings above the fireplace so Santa would know where to find them. One last picture and then off to bed...
Once the boys were sound asleep, Santa was free to arrive and fill up those stockings... 
And leave some additional presents for the Darnell boys... 
Their names must have found their way to the "Nice" list!We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with everyone. The boys enjoyed visiting with family, giving gifts and receiving. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Eve.
Take care,
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