It's always so nice to go home for Christmas. This year all of my siblings except for Elise (who we missed!!) were able to be there for at least a few days. Marc and Spencer slept on cots in the big shed like always and Kate's family got an Airbnb. It was wonderful to spend time with everyone!
Apparently, Michelle gives good facial massages!
Mason was pleasantly surprised that John wasn't a "little kid" anymore and the two of them had tons of fun running around the yard together. Cousin friends are the best! Alan has always had a soft spot for little girls and had fun playing with Evelyn.
Grandpa helped Mason build this awesome fort in the woodpile.
The guys played some horseshoes, but disc golf was the new favorite. Marc spent a few days setting up a course in the field before we got there and it was a big hit. We had some really nice weather while we were there and it felt great to soak up some vitamin D while playing. Lindsey even played a surprising amount for being 8 months pregnant!
I couldn't resist taking some shots during golden hour that evening. We don't get sunshine like this in Portland this time of year and it was just so pretty.
Christmas Eve morning run sunrise. It was amazing to run in the daylight instead of the dark like I had been doing for a couple of months.
We played a lot of card games like usual - mostly Five Crowns, Cover Your Assets, and Scum.
Gingerbread houses! I was in charge of planning them this time and opted for hot gluing graham crackers to simplify things. They worked ok and I think everyone had fun. Someone else must have taken the whole group picture at the end because I don't have it. I'll try to track it down and add it later though.
Feeding leftover graham crackers to the chickens.
John and Evelyn brought this fun plate to leave a treat for Santa and his reindeer. Mason thought it was fun.
We decided to do tacos for Christmas Even dinner again. Marc cooked three delicious kinds of meat and made guacamole and pico de gallo, I made my roasted cauliflower and pineapple filling with vegan queso, and Dad helped with everything. It was all amazing!
We had our traditional Christmas Eve program after dinner that night. Zac and Kate's family sang for us, Spencer played a clarinet duet with Lindsey, Michelle, Katelyn, Lindsey, and I sang The Nativity Song, Alan played a duet with Mason, Spencer played a duet with me, Marc shared some beautiful thoughts about the Savior, and Grandpa told the nativity story to the kids.
We drove around town to look at lights for a little bit after the program. Mason is always super grumpy and tired for that part, but Marc let him steer his truck for a bit and that turned Mason's attitude around real fast. That might have been the highlight of the trip for Mason - haha!
Then it was time to write nametags and head to bed.
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