A Holiday Marathon
I've been procrastinating. Our holiday celebrations were so much fun, but with so many pictures and things going on, it seemed like a lot of work getting it written.
And I've got enough work around here lately :)
This Christmas was a special one for a couple of reasons: most importantly, Benjamin was with us and we got to celebrate his first Christmas! However, Uncle John and Auntie Carolyn were in town, so it also meant a Grand Slam was in order.
We celebrated Christmas morning a day early (there are only so many years we'll be able to get away with this). Kevin's family got a cabin on Lake Chelan for 3 nights starting the 26th, and since we also wanted spend a few days with my family, we headed to Leavenworth the morning of the 24th.
Abigail asked for a butterfly bike this year, and Santa figured George could stand to start early, so the two big kids got bikes this year! A few days before Christmas, Abigail woke up and told me she had a dream that Santa got her orange chips (Cheetos), so she asked if I would call Santa and ask him for orange chips, instead of her bike... I told her I thought the big guy could probably swing both ;)
So Christmas (Eve) morning came, and orange chips and bikes abound. Abigail squealed with delight as she peered down the stairs and caught sight Santa's deliveries. Then, as she opened each present or would look around taking it all in, she kept saying "wow!"
So cute.
Cheetos were also what they ate for breakfast. Shocking... (and the reason why I won't keep them in the house!)
The weather over the pass was harry the week of Christmas, and Christmas Eve was no exception.
Snoqualmie saw 8" overnight on the 23rd which closed the interstate due to avalanche danger and downed trees. Stevens pass was our only choice, and even then, it was closed that morning, but slated to open at 11am. So after filling up on Cheetos, half heartedly organizing the house and new toys, and packing in a hurry, we set off!
As luck would have it, the pass closure was delayed until 1pm, but the kids were champs and it worked out well. From about 11am on, we parked on the highway with hundreds of other cars eager to cross. We tossed the carseats in the back of the car, the kids hopped up in the front seat to play, Kevin traded off entertaining them with snowballs and walks, to checking on updates with truckers.
All in all, it was actually pretty fun.
We then spent 2 nights in Leavenworth, celebrating Christmas with my parents, Victor, Catherine, and Catherine's parents. We had over 2' of snow at the house; it was a beautiful winter wonderland!
On Saturday we left for Chelan to Slam with the Lauckners! Mamie and Papa rented a place for a few days and it was so much fun being with everyone and having the chance for John and Carolyn to meet Benjamin and catch up with Abigail and George.
George was Benjamin's age the last time they saw him!
Highlights include siblings night out (Mamie and Papa watched all the kids while siblings and spouses went to town for dinner and drinks), tubing at Echo Valley, the talent show, playing pie face, and tons of yummy food.
Tuesday morning, after a restaurant style slam, we parted ways and went back to Leavenworth for the remainder of the week.
It was great to get back to the place, do some laundry, decompress, and ring in the new year (relatively) relaxed and rested.
Having my parents watch the kids for the afternoon of NYE was an added bonus!
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season this year.
Happy New Year!
And I've got enough work around here lately :)
This Christmas was a special one for a couple of reasons: most importantly, Benjamin was with us and we got to celebrate his first Christmas! However, Uncle John and Auntie Carolyn were in town, so it also meant a Grand Slam was in order.
We celebrated Christmas morning a day early (there are only so many years we'll be able to get away with this). Kevin's family got a cabin on Lake Chelan for 3 nights starting the 26th, and since we also wanted spend a few days with my family, we headed to Leavenworth the morning of the 24th.
Abigail asked for a butterfly bike this year, and Santa figured George could stand to start early, so the two big kids got bikes this year! A few days before Christmas, Abigail woke up and told me she had a dream that Santa got her orange chips (Cheetos), so she asked if I would call Santa and ask him for orange chips, instead of her bike... I told her I thought the big guy could probably swing both ;)
So Christmas (Eve) morning came, and orange chips and bikes abound. Abigail squealed with delight as she peered down the stairs and caught sight Santa's deliveries. Then, as she opened each present or would look around taking it all in, she kept saying "wow!"
So cute.
Cheetos were also what they ate for breakfast. Shocking... (and the reason why I won't keep them in the house!)
The weather over the pass was harry the week of Christmas, and Christmas Eve was no exception.
Snoqualmie saw 8" overnight on the 23rd which closed the interstate due to avalanche danger and downed trees. Stevens pass was our only choice, and even then, it was closed that morning, but slated to open at 11am. So after filling up on Cheetos, half heartedly organizing the house and new toys, and packing in a hurry, we set off!
As luck would have it, the pass closure was delayed until 1pm, but the kids were champs and it worked out well. From about 11am on, we parked on the highway with hundreds of other cars eager to cross. We tossed the carseats in the back of the car, the kids hopped up in the front seat to play, Kevin traded off entertaining them with snowballs and walks, to checking on updates with truckers.
All in all, it was actually pretty fun.
We then spent 2 nights in Leavenworth, celebrating Christmas with my parents, Victor, Catherine, and Catherine's parents. We had over 2' of snow at the house; it was a beautiful winter wonderland!
On Saturday we left for Chelan to Slam with the Lauckners! Mamie and Papa rented a place for a few days and it was so much fun being with everyone and having the chance for John and Carolyn to meet Benjamin and catch up with Abigail and George.
George was Benjamin's age the last time they saw him!
Highlights include siblings night out (Mamie and Papa watched all the kids while siblings and spouses went to town for dinner and drinks), tubing at Echo Valley, the talent show, playing pie face, and tons of yummy food.
Tuesday morning, after a restaurant style slam, we parted ways and went back to Leavenworth for the remainder of the week.
It was great to get back to the place, do some laundry, decompress, and ring in the new year (relatively) relaxed and rested.
Having my parents watch the kids for the afternoon of NYE was an added bonus!
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season this year.
Happy New Year!
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