Christmas Eve

The kids opened their last day of the Advent calendar on Christmas Eve.  They each had a pair of pajamas under the tree as well.  

Sam and Isaac, Julenissen.  Grace and Katie received red nightgowns with kerchiefs, but they weren't as big of a hit as the Nisse (Santa) pajamas.

Christmas Eve lunch - risengrøt, flatbrød, spekemat, and julebrus (a special Christmas drink that tastes close to cream soda).

On our way to Christmas Eve service at the cathedral.   It started at 4pm, and we walked in just a few minutes before the service started.  The church was packed - there were ushers with counters at the door making sure the church did not exceed its capacity - it can hold around 1500 people.  It was a beautiful service - the boys choir sang, and finished with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.

Katie puts the gifts under the tree. 

Skyping with family back in the states.  The kids sang some Christmas carols for their Great Uncle Bob in Minnesota. 

Dave reads the Christmas story.

Isaac opens a cd which contains some of his favorite Norwegian songs that he learned in barnehage.

Prinsessen 

Grace tries out her tools and tool belt.

Nice pants, Dave!

The aftermath

Captain Rex

Our stockings hung up by the fireplace 

Some late night baking - preparing the chocolate roll.  This is a recipe from Dave's grandmother, Fern Quest.  We make it every Christmas as a birthday cake for Jesus.  This year, it turned out best ever.  Dave and I finally figured out how to coordinate the rolling so that it doesn't just fold over, but actually rolls.  It's a simple nearly flourless cake filled with cream, and topped with a chocolate glaze.  Yum. 

Santa visited the stockings.