We enjoyed spending Christmas in Ephrata this year, staying from the 23rd to the 28th. In that time, we saw lots of family, snow play, church services, presents, food, and fun.
It started with snow early on, as we were thrilled to see an accumulation. Mitch (and Shannon) loved to be thrown into the snow by Uncle Russ and Grampa. Over and over and over again...
My beautiful mama!
We had a Christmas Eve brunch and did birthday for me.
Visiting
and cookie frosting passed the afternoon.
Christmas Eve sweetie
All ready for a lovely church service
After church, we enjoyed our huge spread of culinary delights!
Dave, Vicki and Rachel joined us for the evening, too. Julie believed Dave to be "prim and proper" so we had to set her straight!
Mitch wrote a letter for Santa
and they left it for him, along with snacks for Santa Mouse and the reindeer.
This doesn't look like Christmas morning, but we got to sleep until after 6am. The full moon was lovely.
Christmas morning stockings and Santa gifts!
We enjoyed readings and lighting the Advent candles.
And then it was time for gifts!
He's a happy (scampy) man, thanks to that lovely lady by his side.
Shan loves her new book from Aunt Phyllis.
We went for an afternoon walk and sledding expedition.
Booth is such a good dog!!!
This is a third of a massive icicle we hauled home from the church eaves.
Then it was time to demolish the gingerbread house (since Russ kept stealing shingles!).
We played lots of new games
and even did a small puzzle.
Ryan and Betty Ann arrived on the 26th.
At Johnsons', we had a tree opening with lots of laughing
partly due to Dave's new headwear! We also enjoyed the traditional fondue and some playing at the gym.
The kids did lots of reading, playing, fort building, and enjoying of new toys.
The Hendricksons let us come sledding and we had a wonderful time! The 4-wheeler took us up the hill and we flew back down!
Bryan, Shannon and Mitch had a wild first ride. Look at that snowy monster!
Whew - they were relieved to arrive at the base.
Captain Snowbeard
Mitch and Jack wrecked once
The girls and I had a great ride
and the boys tried another sled
much to their delight. It was a very merry Christmas, indeed!
It was a perfect Christmas!
ReplyDeleteGreat time to be together plus we had snow this year that made it quite festive and wintery!! Thanks for the good times by pictures.
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