Christmas!!

Playing with camera settings:

Jared ambushed me, ha ha.

Making gingerbread houses. Ari mostly just ate!

We spent an evening checking out Christmas lights.

Throwing Ari or as she calls it "1...2...3!!"

Lexi's and Kyler's houses. Ari ate hers, ha.

Lexi played in her first play--the Grinch. She was a Who. Look at those lashes!

Our first snow this year. This small amount delayed school for 2 hours, making for a very fun morning.

My mom's tradition-one gift on Christmas eve.

My dad spent Christmas eve with us. We had a feast, listened to Christmas music, exchanged gifts and had a great time.
Look at his new puppy. She is the cutest!!

Gifts from Grandpa

We got my dad a photo album, filled with pictures from decades ago as well as recent ones. He loves it. And I LOVE his puppy.

Chocolate chip and white chocolate macadamia cookies with milk for Santa; celery and carrots for the reindeer.

Santa came!

The kids main wishes this year--Kyler and his Nexus 7, Lexi with her American Girl bitty baby.

Many tea parties have already taken place.

Hoping everyone had a very merry holiday season. With the day bringing me some sorrow missing my mom, I tried to focus on my memories of our past holidays. Cherish each moment as they pass so quickly and are never guaranteed.

And now...Kyler turns 11 in 6 days!!!

Christmas Storybook Land

One of our favorite things to do since moving to Oregon, is visiting Christmas Storybook Land.

 

 Ari really loved the displays this year.

 The villages and train sets are amazingly detailed.

 Of course Ari refused Santa's lap, but I didn't push her. Kyler sat with him, that made me happy. :)