Christmas in Ephrata

 We arrived in Ephrata on the 23rd and spent time with loved ones.

 Shannon has been a huge fan of Christmas carols and she got to sing and play with Grandma Vicki.

 Christmas Eve kiddos

 The service was lovely and we enjoyed a light drive afterward (punctuated with Mitchell's "Good grief" each time we turned another block).

 Stockings started Christmas morning off well - Santa came and was good to them!

 The kids opened gifts merrily and were spoiled by parents, grandparents and Aunt Ranga. So much generosity and attention!

 The much coveted Elsa dress from the grandparents Johnson was a big hit. She wore it for hours!

 Vicki was tearful over Bryan's ornament gift.

 Aunt Rachel kindly painted all of Shannon's nails - several times!

 Christmas night we went to Allstots for my birthday - so many sweet gifts! 

 Four generations.

 A bearded wonder and his Pobst grands!

 Happy Christmas night

 Back at Johnsons, Shannon helped make the fondue marinade.

 She then happily helped clean the kitchen. We feasted on fondue with Russ and Mom and Dad in attendance.

 On the 27th, the cousins finally made it and the kids were thrilled to share in presents and playtime.

 Vicki and Dave admiring their family calendar.

 Mitch and Jack built Legos for hours - and poor MBJ had to be pried away for the return to Hermi that night.

Merry Christmas!

Spokane Visit

We started our holidays in Spokane this year, with a birthday party for cousin Avery and an overnight at LaVines. I managed not to get any photos, but we all had a great time together! Then we went to Green Bluff to visit.

 Tyson greeted us with his game face!

 The kids played really well together.

 Shannon and Tyson seemed to get along especially well.

 Naomi charmed her great aunties Kathleen 

 and Betty Ann. Heck, she charmed us all with her sparkle eyes!

 Noodle with her grands

Greg and Nao

 We opened a few presents. Gram was delighted with her airfare to AZ to visit Ry and Betty Ann.

 The three (big) littles pausing from their antics in the basement.

 Piano time.

 The gingerbread house met its fate bravely!

 Never has there been such a public bath. These two had a great time and nearly everyone traipsed through the bathroom to watch, laugh and take pictures.

 Steve took the kids to the barn to feed the goats.

 Shiloh the cat joined them and it was the nicest cat on the
face of the earth.

 ReRe and Tys

Cousins. We had a great visit and I may even have to change my mind about the Steelers as a result...maybe.

Pre-School Christmas Party

 Mitchell's preschool class did a "Birthday Party for Jesus" today which involved a living nativity. Shannon got to come watch with us as Mitchell reprised his role of shepherd.

 He and Cooper led the sheep to worship baby Jesus.

 

 After a few songs, which he did not sing, the kids got to frost cookies.

 The tongue out for concentration...

 Shannon got to share in the fun, too!

It's official: we're on Christmas break!

Cookies with Carter

The kids had a great time decorating sugar cookies with Carter the other day!

 There was a lot of knife-licking, major piles of sugar crystals, and much fun.

Sunday School Program

Today was the Sunday School program at church. The kids got all dressed up. Shannon was very excited to wear her dress! 

 They sang carols loudly with the other kids.

 Santa came, too, and sang to the baby Jesus. 

 Shannon was the child who pulled up her dress and flashed the congregation. Many times in fact.

And here is a photo of her dressed up last week in her new coat. This child likes to get fancy!

Polar Express

We planned a special Christmas trip this year and the preparation started early.

After Thanksgiving, we started reading the Polar Express.

Then, some Christmas elves left an invitation to ride to the North Pole, plus some new Christmas jammies to wear.

 We went to Hood River on Friday, swam at the hotel, walked to dinner, and then got on the jammies and went to the train station, just as the train rolled in. Here they clutch their golden tickets, eager to board.

 Boarding the train.

 Once inside we found our seats. Chefs and the conductor entertained us on the drive to the North Pole. There was hot chocolate, cookies, singing, and even the reading of the story.

 At the North Pole, we saw Santa's workshop from the window and then the big man himself. The kids waved gleefully from the window. Shannon was especially enthralled.

 He boarded our train and spent time talking with each child. Here, Mitch told him he would like a blue remote-controlled helicopter. Splendid.

 He sat next to Shannon and she did warm to him in time to request an Elsa dress. Sadly, I couldn't get a focused picture.

 Santa gave them bells and wished them well. We've been listening to those ever since!

When we returned to the station, Santa and Mrs. Claus were available for hugs as we left. Mitch hugged them both (and Mom was MUCH happier to see a real beard! This must have been the 1st class Santa - not available to the riders in Coach!). They look serious, but both were delighted (and exhausted). Ho ho ho!