Sledding the Big Hill

It snowed most of the day and night, accumulating 9 inches in Castle Rock, so the kids took advantage with some sledding. Their neighbor friend Ila joined them. It was nice, dry powder.

There was a natural jump in the middle of the run, and Jillian and Tor went for it several times, with mixed results (ie. some crashes).

Bridget tried getting to the jump, bit veered off course.

Snowy Pajama Day

It was a lazy pajama day at home after Christmas, and it also snowed all day, so the kids got some quality snow time. Bridget made a big snowman ...

... while Jillian and Tor spent almost all their time in a snowball fight (that Mommy joined, briefly).

Christmas Afternoon @ Grannie and Papa's

We made our way to Castle Rock in the afternoon to have a bite of lunch and to open gifts. The kids were busy with so many presents ...

After the traditional pizza dinner, it started snowing, so it ended up being a white Christmas.

Christmas Morning @ Cindy & Hal's

We met at Cindy & Hal's to eat breakfast and exchange gifts (and see Jacob propose to Lindsey!)

One of the highlights for the kids was meeting the new puppy Cooper.

They also took a tour of Hal's inflatable display in the backyard.

And of course, there were gifts everywhere.

Early Christmas Morning

Wakeup was 7 am, but it wasn't too hard to get the kids up ... they all snuggled up in Jillian's bed waiting for the go ahead.

They are now at the age that they prefer to go slow and take turns so they can watch everyone else open gifts.

Christmas Eve @ The Johnsons

Christmas Eve was held at Cale & Ericka's new house (Dan & Robin were in New York visiting Tierney). There was lots of good food to snack on, and lots of new games to enjoy, including a toy reindeer hunt, a Pandora Christmas song bingo, a regular bingo game and a boys vs girls Jeopardy (with a category with answers all about Kaleigh and Ericka). Winners were awarded gift baskets and other treats.

Santa even made a visit, dropping off a bag of gifts at the front door.

Sibling Gift Exchange

The kids all got each other some gifts (with their own money), and since they know each other so well, the gifts are always very thoughtful.

These gifts are kept under the "kids' tree", which is decorated with their own ornaments. Per tradition, they open these gifts on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve Brunch

The Peterson family came over on Christmas Eve morning to enjoy a big breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns and assorted treats.

Zo Gladson Lights

We made our annual tour of Christmas lights, going through Old West Side and the Kelso Rotary, before finishing at the Zo Gladson house in Kelso, to watch and listen to the music synchronized light show. Amazing, as always.

Gingerbread Houses & Gingerbread Man

Building their Gingerbread houses took quite awhile but turned out nice. They all had a different theme. Bridget picked an Airhead house.

Tor picked a house with a Snoopy theme.

Jillian's was a chalet.

Jillian hiding the Gingerbread Man.

Another tradition is hunting for the hidden magnetic Gingerbread Man every day until Christmas with treats from the count-down beach house. If they missed more than a day hunting, the winner gets to hide it again instead of me. Today I added clues to help discover him. But he must be hidden in plain sight, but with all the Christmas stuff up he's hard to see.

 

Bridget's 5th Grade School Photo

Bridget didn't like her first school pic, so she had retakes, which we just received.

Jingle Jam

Jillian played with a few of her tournament basketball teammates (Lady Warriors) in the Jingle Jam 3-on-3 in Kelso. Her team was named the "Grinch Gang". They wore matching shirts, socks and tutus.

They played some very skilled and physical teams, but improved throughout the day, winning their final game.

Silent Auction Baskets

Each year, the kids put bids on gift baskets at church. Last year, they didn't win any, but this year they each won the basket (or item) they bid on.

Christmas Wish List

Bridget is the only one to come up with a list this year, complete with an artistic flair. She kept the list short, since it's getting late.

Jillian said she just wanted money, and Tor just wanted Nintendo Switch gift cards. Of course, they want lots of other things ...

Basketball Banquet

Jillian's 8th grade Basketball team celebrated their undefeated season with an awards ceremony and pizza feed.

Jillian was awarded the Coaches Award. The coach had many nice things to say, including that she always gave 100%, never complained, and was very good at both offense and defense.

Crossing Guard

Bridget has been working as a crossing guard this school year. She works for about 10-15 minutes after school every few weeks.

She was not pleased with Daddy taking this photo.

No, I wasn't. He stood there taking pictures and videos. while there were people watching. Thanks a lot.

     -Bridget 

Elf Movie Night

After the Festival of Lights parade with the Elf-themed float, we went to Grannie and Papa's house for the annual Elf movie watch party. We also had some pizza and treats, while trying to warm back up after a chilly evening.

Elf Float 2021

Cale organized our first-ever entry into the Castle Rock Festival of Lights. Our theme was the Elf movie, since it has been a cousin tradition for years.

The kids wore elf hats, and tops made by Grannie. We used Papa's small trailer, decorated it with lights and some movie characters, including a Buddy inflatable, and an amazing replica of Leon the Snowman thanks to Bridget and Ericka. Josie Jean (and her mom) and Jordan & Jacob (and their dad) rode on the float and waved at the crowd, while Jillian, Bridget and Tor walked and handed out candy to kids.

The parade was led by Papa Ken, who carried the flag in the American Legion color guard.

It was a fun time for everyone, and the older cousins are already planning for next year's bigger and better Elf float. Here's a few more pics from the evening:

A new Mueller Erzgebirge Pyramid

During Mommy and Daddy's 15th anniversary trip to Leavenworth, we picked out a new Mueller Erzgebirge pyramid at the Kris Kringle store (on the right), this one being two-tone with angel figurines. It now goes along with the original one we got on our 1st anniversary.

Tree Topper

Tor had the honor this year of putting the star on the Christmas tree. He can reach pretty far, with a little help from Daddy.

Decorating the Tree

We finally managed to carve out an evening of time to put ornaments on the Christmas tree. The fire was roaring, and the Christmas music was blaring. Mommy laid the ornaments out, and the kids pretty much did all the decorating. They know what to do, and plus ... nothing was broken!

They enjoyed seeing all of their classic ornaments again. Though Tor doesn't like this one at all (because he's dressed as an angel), Daddy thinks it's great, just for the look on his face!

The kids then made hot chocolate and relaxed in the front room to admire their work.

Centerpieces

The kids and others got to make centerpieces Sunday. They all worked hard and were very creative, each in their own way. Jillian did hers with cones and very little bling.

Tor is very precise on his arrangements, including all the different greenery.

Bridget made hers smaller and taller with matching decorations and lots of  planning.

 

Longview Christmas Parade

Jillian and Tor joined Daddy in watching some of the Longview Christmas Parade (Bridget was with Mommy, finishing up her basketball game). We didn't stay long, though ... we were wet and getting cold. We did manage to see Queen Lindsey, along with Cindy and Hall pulling Uncle Jason's metal art float.