Christmas

We decided to fly out on Christmas day again this year since it worked out so well last year.  That meant that we got to spend some low-key days at home when school got out, go to Christmas Eve service at our church, and wake up in our own house Christmas morning.

We had several trips to the dentist (that post will be coming soon!) the week before Christmas, but we also got to make some cookies, wrap presents, make ornaments, drive around and look at lights, and other holiday fun.

Christmas play dough

Christmas lights

We have had some cold days.  And warm fires.  "I gotta fire up my feet Daddy."

Making Christmas ornaments 

Our church had a Christmas Eve service for the first time and it was really nice.  The girls had picked out tunic dresses that would work well with leggings underneath, but it turned out to be too warm for leggings or tights that night.  It was almost 80 again which, yes, is weird.  I found I don't mind at all though knowing we will be going to snow and cold for the rest of the holidays.

Ready for Christmas Eve service at UBC

After church we had dinner and made Christmas marshmallows (we had to have something soft) for Santa and were off to bed.

"Cookies" for Santa

Our girls are not super early risers (hallelujah!) but I heard Ruby come out and go back in her room  2 or 3 times before she finally crawled into bed with us a bit before 7.  We snuggled waiting for Ada to wake up.  She is usually the first one up and in our bed most mornings but she bypassed us Christmas morning.  We didn't even realize she was up when we heard her yelling "Guys!  There's a big bike out there and it's for me!"  

Along with a new big bike (sans training wheels), Ada got a scooter for her doll.

Ruby had been asking for an American Girl doll and she got Shannon, lots of doll clothes and a complete doll-sized picnic table set.

We gave the girls new (much needed) bike helmets, moccasin slippers, and some new music (we have officially entered the KidsBop stage).  Steve and I "got" each other a trip to NYC in March- so excited!  This definitely felt like our biggest Christmas yet and I was happy Ruby and Ada were thrilled with everything and played happily all morning.  We even went out for some bike riding.

After lunch we loaded up and headed to Dallas.  We got to RF for a late dinner after a smooth day of travel.  
Airport Antics from Steven Nelson on Vimeo.

Ready to fly!

We had a great time in Minnesota and Wisconsin as always and were spoiled with presents, delicious good and treats, and time with loved ones.

New sleeping bags!

Cozy robes!

Mermaid tails!  (Gaga is so talented!)

So snuggly.  Do you see a theme here?!

Ada loves her Trolls hair accessories.  Me: Which color do you want me to put in your hair?  Ada: Umm.  Probably all of them.

You might remember that Ada asked for a "pet kitty" so we were all pretty excited that Gaga and Grandpa got her a FurReal Kitty.  Ruby says she thinks it's real.  

Ruby got about 15 new books which she promptly read in 4 days.  She's is also pretty excited about her new sewing machine. 

There wasn't a ton of snow and we didn't spend as much time as usual enjoying the ice and snow (mom and dad were too nervous about someone's teeth).  However, we were there in between the super cold weather and Ruby and Ada had a fun time being pulled in the sled and even ice fishing.

Catch anything?

Snow Time! from Steven Nelson on Vimeo.

We did lots of crafts, shopped at a fun bookstore (Ruby's heaven), went to a children's museum with Gaga and Grandpa Nelson, and went to the movie Sing.

Per tradition Gaga made cookies for us to cut out and decorate.  (Thank you Gaga for having the patience to do this!)  

Ruby's GT teacher told her to practice chess over the break.  She's pretty good...

 but preferred to play checkers!  Ada was pretty pleased that she learned how to play checkers too!

This is not the world's best picture, but it cracks me up.  We played a game where we had to write down some of our Christmas favorites and then guess who wrote each one.  Ada figured out that the one being read aloud was hers and made this "poker" face for about 5 minutes.  I'm not smiling!

We made some cute snow globes!

As always, the girls were pretty sad to leave, but the flight and travel went smoothly.  Except when Ada discovered she forgot her favorite lovey.  

Ada: I wanted to check and make sure I had everything when we were at Gaga's and I didn't and I forgot my lovey.  It's my favorite lovey.  Waaaahhh!  Maybe she was just tired. 

Maybe.

Ruby just read her book.  Obviously.