Christmas Eve.

For the past 21 years, my mom's family has gathered at the Good Earth in Edina to celebrate my cousin Bret's birthday and generally make merry. Sometimes we have more people than other years, but it's been a fun tradition no matter who is able to attend.

My cousin Adria and her boyfriend Jeb have some photos from this event, as does my uncle Steve. Here's hoping they share some with me so I can pass them on to you! In the meantime, here's one picture I stole from Adria's Facebook page.

UPDATE: Jeb and Adria provided me with so many awesome pics! Here are a few favorites.

That evening, we got all dolled up and went to Chapel Hills for a beautiful Christmas Eve service.

Lorelei was a very well-behaved baby -- she only made one tiny little peep during the whole service. We did leave in the middle for a diaper change and accidentally returned during the Hallelujah chorus when everyone was turned around facing the choir loft and, consequently, us. Oops! Afterwards, it was back to 10319 for Famous Dave's takeout, crabcakes, and of course pie.