Our 'Days' of Christmas

Shoveling More Snow...Again

Trade Babysitting

Stephanie, Beth and I traded babysitting so we could finish our shopping in the horrid, unplowed streets of Olympia. After 4 kids you'd think I knew what I was doing, but with 9 kids and 1 me, I just sat back and let them go.

Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker

After assuring Stephanie I KNEW where we were going, and then getting us lost, we made it to the matinee showing of the Nutcracker. It was incredible. I think the 'bonding' we did during the 2 1/2 hour commute home will remain 'un-noted'. Thanks for driving Stephanie!

Christmas Eve Hot 'Tubbing'

Beth took the cover off their hot tub and let the kids take a 'dip' to ward off our crazy cold temperatures.

Treat Bag deliveries to Madigan

We took bags to active duty and prior service soldiers again, just like Thanksgiving.

I had to get a picture of this 'gift' that a patient gave to Chris.

Christmas Eve Traditions

Crescent Rolls

Waffles with Chocolate syrup

Catered Mexican Food

Christmas Program

Luke II

These are just a few of the mixed traditions brought to our multi-family Christmas Eve this year.

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

This is the only glimpse we got of Bailey playing the piano this Christmas since she's too shy to play in front of anyone.

I stole an idea from Carol Stephens...and this years our gifts were: A want; A need; A wear; A read.

McEuen/Trejo Tradition of pipe bells, "Christmas Bells are Ringing"

Beth had the kids draw numbers, then pick little gifts from a bag.

Nixon: Boy from the Hood

The Stuff:

Christmas Morning and the 'stuff' we got.

Braden with the Rock Band guitar for our new Wii from Santa
Opening gifts from the cousins...we drew names

Leavenworth

We spent two days in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth shopping, sledding, and taking a sleigh ride.

Our 'view' from the front row.

What's an Arizona girl to make of this?

We have 3 extra days tagged onto our Winter Break thanks to the snow. The kids have (surprisingly) spent a ton of time outside reveling in the powder. It's probably a good thing since we'll probably end up somewhere in the South next year.

Snow Day!!!

Today was a Snow Day (aka: NO School). The kids are LOVING it! I have to admit that from my vantage point in the front room...I like it too! They joined forces with the neighbors to make a snow man.

Sin City

I stole this picture from Carol. We met up with them in Vegas at Tao in the Venetian for a 9:30pm dinner. We hadn't seen Kevin for nearly 5 years. We had a great time...we miss the Stephens!