Peterson Christmas

We gathered at Ken and Bev's with Auntie Greta, Meagan and Curtis to celebrate Christmas one more time. After a big breakfast, the kids opened presents, then couldn't wait to play with everything.

Night at the Movies

Mommy had some free tickets to the movies, so we went to see Mary Poppins Returns. The kids enjoyed it.

Cosmic Tubing

It was the kids' first time to go tubing at Mt. Hood, and they had a blast. The slopes were lit up, and the music was blaring. Tor and Jillian headed went right down by themselves, while Bridget preferred to go down with Daddy.

Pajama Day

Bridget and Tor spent the day in their pajamas, playing with their Christmas gifts, while Mommy and Jillian went shopping. Bridget mixed it up, trying lots of different things, but Tor was pretty much glued in front of the TV playing the new Switch (like the photo shows).

Afternoon Christmas

We spent the rest of Christmas day in Castle Rock. It was a packed living room at Grannie and Papa's, and the kids certainly enjoyed opening their gifts.


Afterwards, we went to Aunt Robin and Uncle Dan's for pizza and puzzles. The kids helped a little bit with the "kids puzzle".

Later-morning Christmas

We went to Cindy and Hal's place, meeting The Paul's for breakfast and coffee with Bailey's. The kids checked out all the inflatables in the back yard, before coming inside to open presents with everyone.

Christmas Early Morning

It was 7 am, and none of the kids had woken up yet, so Daddy had to rustle Tor up, who then went around and got everyone else up. First off, the kids got their Santa gifts: bean bag chairs for the girls, and Lego sets for Tor. They also checked out their little stocking gifts. At the end, they opened their big together-gift: a Nintendo Switch, along with some games.

Christmas Eve Dinner

The Peterson family came over to our house for a Christmas Eve potluck and present opening. It was pretty chill while eating, then things started getting wound up as the kids opened presents.

Elf Movie

Time for the Elf movie! Before the show, the older cousins joined in a basketball game of PIG, which Tor won. Then, the younger cousins showed up and we ate pizza and s'mores bars while watching Elf.

Cookie Frosters

The kids worked hard at frosting this year's edition of Christmas cookies at Auntie Gret's house. The cookies never lacked for frosting or sprinkles. And the kids made sure to sample the cookies.

Nutcracker Ballet

We made our annual trip to see the Nutcracker Ballet in Portland tonight. The trip began with dinner at Olive Garden and coffee at Starbucks. Before the show, Bridget picked out a ballerina ornament as a souvenir. The kids did OK during the show (just wiggly), and as usual, Tor was very attentive during the mouse battle. It was a long day, and everyone fell asleep on the ride back.

Crafts and Basketball

Brock and Kayleigh came to visit while the kids were here. Brock headed outside with Tor to play basketball, of course, and Kayleigh was wonderful to do crafts with Bridget. Jillian went out to play basketball too. Ty came down a little later and joined the BB game. Of course, it was dark again but that didn't stop them. Kayleigh and Bridget worked for a long time on their creations, a cork mouse and a cork Santa. They turned out really cute and Bridget gave the Santa to Kayleigh to take home.

Adam's Choir Concert

The kid watched cousin Adam perform a bunch of Christmas songs tonight with his school choir. It was standing room only!

BB Game

Ty's home and as soon as he came down, Tor wanted to go out to play basketball.  They went until after dark and when the Christmas lights came on they kept going.

 Bridget was a good sport and played along with them until she got an owie on her finger, but then she kept going. It was a very festive, fun time.

Polar Express

Grannie and Papa got us tickets to ride the Polar Express in Centralia. For an early Christmas present, they wore the new pajamas from Grannie and Papa. The train ride had all the favorite things the kids remembered, including hot chocolate, cookies, storytime, music, carols, and of course, a visit from Santa Claus.

The Star

Tor did the honors this year of placing the star on top of the tree. It was his first time, and he was very excited.

Ornament Pros

The kids jumped right into hanging ornaments on the tree with Mommy. They're pretty experienced now, so they did it quick. And, only one got broke this time.

Decorating for Anna

Nothing should be left undecorated for Christmas, so Anna's post was Tor and Bridget's project while Jillian was gone.  They worked hard getting it nice so Anna(Bridget's cat) could destroy it all before Christmas!

Centerpieces

The kids and cousin Tierney made Christmas centerpieces with Grannie today. They went around the property, cutting boughs and other greenery, then got to work on their creations.

Bridget gave her centerpiece to Aunt Julie, while Jillian and Tor brought theirs home.

Miller's Tree Farm

It was time to pick out our Christmas tree! We made our annual trip to the Miller's Tree Farm, along with Grannie & Papa Bob and cousin Cale. The weather was about as mild as it's ever been. As usual, we trekked across the farm to the far side. Grannie and Papa found their tree first, and then we found ours shortly after. The kids helped push it down after Daddy sawed it through. Then, the kids enjoyed their candy canes back at the Miller house.

 

Christmas Parade

This was the first time we actually got to see the tree lighting ceremony. We were late to the parade due to Jillian's basketball game, so we caught the last bit of it. The new gazebo is pretty nice, and it was cool being in the middle of the lights after the countdown.

Meagan & Curtis' Wedding

Meagan and Curtis were married at beautiful Wonser Woods estates on Thursday night. Pictures were outside amongst the Christmas trees.



The girls helped roll out the white carpet down the aisle, then were enjoyed the ceremony. The dinner was everything the kids love: mashed potatoes and gravy, ham and rolls. After filling up, it was party time downstairs. Bridget showed off her "floss" moves, while Tor dominated the dance floor with his break dance moves.

Jillian was happy to take pictures all night. She was very focused!