Later on in the afternoon we headed over for the traditional Butler family Christmas celebration... Mmmm, Mom outdid herself with dinner this year. It was so good! (we may never need to eat again, after today's delicious meals)

Every year Santa brings a unique ornament for everyone - they are tied to a ribbon and hidden inside a special santa holder. Everyone holds on to a ribbon, the lid is lifted off, and we pull out the ornaments for the year. This tradition began with my Great Grandma Katie, Norah's Great-Great Grandma. Its so exciting to pass the traditions along to her. This was the first time Norah could pull out her ornament - a colorful snowman!

Eskimo kisses with Grammie - both sporting their elf (Norah's term) hats. Mom was doing lots of cooking and the hat was making her hot, but every time she tried to take it off Norah would insist it go back on. And actually, Norah's hat is intended for Baby Brother, but she confiscated it for the evening.
Opening presents with Uncle Kodiak
Aunt Mindy, helping Norah with her special new baby, Brigitte. Mindy and Robert drove up from So. Cal. for a quick Christmas Eve/Christmas visit. We were all ecstatic to see them!
Robert and Jones, falling asleep after dinner
At the end of the night - a very tired Norah has somehow found herself a peanut butter chocolate chip cookie to eat. Chocolate shmeared everywhere, Christmas ribbon in one ponytail, bags under her eyes... Whew, Christmas fun can wear a girl out.

Mom set a beautful table for our Christmas Eve dinner and even Norah had a special place setting - pewter plate, silver cup and her very own "cracker" to open with the rest of the family!