We had a quiet, relaxing Christmas this year here in Alaska. We did Christmas dinner a week before, with the two of Dan's co-workers he did his residency with. The kids had tons and tons of fun playing together. Some of the highlights included Dan's deep fried a turkey, Jeff and Olga's mashed potatoes (seriously the best I've ever tasted), and Steve (the bachelor) even made Mac N Cheese for the kids.
Christmas Eve, we skyped with Dan's family, made homeade ice cream with our brand new ice cream maker (thanks to Grandma and Grandpa True!), opened our Christmas PJs and read Christmas stories. We woke up Christmas morning with a sick Brighton. Poor thing was pretty under the weather. Oakley, on the other hand, was in heaven. This was the first year she understood the concept of Santa. She insists that he lives in the mountains around our house and even informed us once that she saw him flying with his reindeer. All our attempts to use Santa to influence her behavior, however, were a complete failure. Any time we reminded her that Santa only brings toys to nice boys and girls she would reply, "Santa STILL coming, mom!" She clearly considers herself the expert on the subject, not mom and dad :) We skyped with my family later that day, then went on a beautiful drive through the snow to look at Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music. I even got to talk to my brother, David, who is on a mission in Guatemala. It was the best Christmas present ever. Most of all, we were grateful for the Spirit of Christmas that filled the holidays and the chance to spend time together as a family.
Christmas Eve, we skyped with Dan's family, made homeade ice cream with our brand new ice cream maker (thanks to Grandma and Grandpa True!), opened our Christmas PJs and read Christmas stories. We woke up Christmas morning with a sick Brighton. Poor thing was pretty under the weather. Oakley, on the other hand, was in heaven. This was the first year she understood the concept of Santa. She insists that he lives in the mountains around our house and even informed us once that she saw him flying with his reindeer. All our attempts to use Santa to influence her behavior, however, were a complete failure. Any time we reminded her that Santa only brings toys to nice boys and girls she would reply, "Santa STILL coming, mom!" She clearly considers herself the expert on the subject, not mom and dad :) We skyped with my family later that day, then went on a beautiful drive through the snow to look at Christmas lights and listen to Christmas music. I even got to talk to my brother, David, who is on a mission in Guatemala. It was the best Christmas present ever. Most of all, we were grateful for the Spirit of Christmas that filled the holidays and the chance to spend time together as a family.
3 comments:
After celebrating Christmas as a family (with the addition of some time with my sister's family) we've decided we're fans of it. Wasn't it surprisingly nice?
Your girls are so beautiful. How is Brighton doing? Looks like she's walking now, that's great.
How much longer do you think you'll be in Alaska for? Is Dan done with his residency program?
Did Dan get his tonsils out? How was it?
Looks so fun! I love having family traditions, and the pics of the kids are so precious. Glad you had a good one!
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