Christmas 2018: Part 2

Christmas Eve morning we took the kids to the rec center to go swimming because what says Christmas like an indoor pool? It was busier than I would have expected and they weren't running the waterslides. But I had a coupon and James was free so it was still a win.

Enjoy this play by play of Christmas Eve fun between Jaana and I. I think this may be our new Christmas Eve tradition. It will save me time retelling all of our day anyway. And Jaana is funny

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back up a little to the nativity play. I've passed the baton to Sarah and Allison. It's now their job to rope the kids into participating.

 Then the little kids exchanged presents with the names they drew and then the adults traded white elephant gifts.

 The black unicorn lives! We got this at a party a couple of years ago, gifted it into my family's white elephant party a+and now it pops up in the most unexpected boxes to my delight.

 Kyle got my gift. I got this framed school picture circa 1985 at the DI for 75 cents. I'm thinking of posting the picture on facebook to find where he is now and who would've given it away.

I scored a back scratcher and Justin got a Modern Family quote book.

And because the kids can't get enough of tearing open wrapping paper, the fishing pole game.

 My mom always has enough presents for each kid to get like 3 things. It's fun and crazy.

Then we ate flan and made cruise plans and then at 8 we cleaned up, rounded up the kids and headed home while watching for Santa in the night sky.

Santa came!

 Henry was super excited about his Minecraft cart.

 Sarah got a Tesla which is fitting because she loves my brother's Tesla.

I took mostly videos during present opening and I don't want to upload them because it takes forever so here are a few photos.

 Justin really likes basketball socks.

 And the binoculars Henry made him.

Favorite gifts (I'll speak for everyone)
Justin: straight edge steak knives and rifle scope
Diana: walking foot for my sewing machine and tablet
Sarah: duffle bag and sledding tube
Henry: Football poster and Knex
Erica: pink penguin Squishmallow and Monopoly Jr
James: motorized James the train and Dash

My parents came over for their annual dose of "Look what I got" and then Justin made us ebelskivers because Denmark baby

 Even though my mom is more Danish (1/4) than my dad, it's my dad that grew up eating ebelskivers.

 That afternoon we went to Justin's parents' house for presents, games, and dinner. Erica got this new dress and stuffed bear and couldn't be happier.

 Sarah got a curling iron and is pretty much late for everything now because of it.

 I'm not sure who left the 80s kid at my parents' house and I don't know whether to offended that they didn't take it home or honored that it has been placed in such a prominent place.

Wednesday we stayed home and played with all our stuff because that's fun. Thursday we spent the morning at my mom's doing a puzzle and eating her chocolates. That night we took the kiddos to Texas Roadhouse because we had giftcards from last Christmas. Friday I took down all the decorations because the only thing I like more than decorating for Christmas is undecorating for Christmas. That nigh we had pizza and games at the Dyes. Saturday Justin went shooting and I went out for a late-night smoothie with my dear friend AmyJo and we talked about hunting--of all things.

Next up: Justin turns 35!

Christmas 2018: Part 1

Henry won this gingerbread house in a drawing at school. He was so excited. Because it was so huge and heavy I told him I wouldn't bring it in the house. He and his friends ate off of it while it was in the back of the car and then I threw it away because I needed to go grocery shopping.

I didn't take a ton of pictures during the first part of our break. The kids played with friends and worked on their Christmas surprises. I went to my neighbor's girls night out party and listened in on others' conversations and asked lots of questions about other's traditions (I love Christmas traditions). Friday night Justin and I stayed up past midnight wrapping ALL the presents while watching Christmas Vacation and Pitch Perfect. I don't know if I'd save all the wrapping to be done in one night but it was nice not to have to deal with the mess for days. Saturday I did some last minute shopping (including 2 trips to the dollar store) and dipped chocolates with my mom.

Sunday we had only an hour of church which was great to give us more time to prepare for Christmas Eve Eve. I have since learned that Denmark calls this Little Christmas Eve so we may switch to that.

Justin worked on making Osso Bucco and I made sugar cookies with all the kids. I didn't get mad or shoo them all away so I think I'm growing as a person.

Hey there's me.

Henry frosted this one that he called his "crazy train"

My sprinkle dumper. Good thing I got 4 big bottles of sprinkles for a dollar.

They certainly aren't going to win any beauty contests but the good tasting ones never do.

Look how fancy I got with this Santa hat. 2 frosting colors!

When James woke up from his nap, he frosted his train cookie. He loved frosting it but didn't ever want to eat it.

Then we set the table for dinner.

I only use candles and these fancy glasses for birthdays (if the birthday child requests) and Christmas Eve Eve so it's a pretty special night

Afterwards the kids cleaned up the living room and I gave them their new pjs and Christmas book.

And then the obligatory photo by the Christmas tree.

The girls were matchy-matchy per Erica's request in pink roses.

And the boys were coordinated in Christmas dinosaurs. Maybe next year they will be in the same sizing group and I can matchy-match them too.

And then Justin read Mr. Willoughby's Christmas tree. It was very sweet. Then we read scriptures and off to bed!

Next up: Christmas Eve- the best day of the year.