Goodbye 2017

We started our New Years weekend early.  The LA Kings finally were playing a game up north and not on a 'school night'.  We've only waited FIVE years for that to happen.  My cousin joined us for his first introduction to the NHL.  

Cousins Crossing the Border

After waiting TWO hours to cross the border we finally made it.  We went quickly to a sport bar to watch the UW football game.  We were in quite a sporting predicament - trying to get all our games in.

GO KINGS GO

 Of course it was a great trip as the Kings pulled out a win!


We then came home, and rang in the New Year with long time family friends.  Two of the three kiddos lasted until 10:30, with one dancing in the new year!  We had three generations celebrating together - this was a tradition from my childhood.  Spending the night playing games and eating nummy foods.

Happy New Year

Snuggling up for a movie

Hungry Hippos

Christmas in the NW

Christmas for me begins the 23rd - which is my aunt's birthday.  We usually meet up in Seattle for some shopping, experiencing the city and seeing the Gingerbread houses.  

This years theme was Seattle - past, present and future.  

 The way that Christmas fell this way during the week, allowed our family to have rest, fun and fellowship.  We were able for the first time in our married life celebrate 'as a just us' before joining the rest of the family.  It was well worth the wait - as M was really into the Christmas season this year.  Looking down at her heart and telling her heart "Happy Birthday Jesus!"  Wanting to buy presents for her family - even buying Daddy a Star Wars coloring book for them to do together (and she kept it a secret!!)

Coloring Star Wars

Christmas Eve morning at our place!  Opening presents and enjoying breakfast and playing with new toys. 

We also took the day after Christmas off - giving us just a rested and relaxed time together.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Sleeping under the tree at Nana's.  This was a tradition that I participated in it - full of lots of fun memories.  Waiting for Santa with my cousins.  It may look like M is sleeping by herself, but she was the first to crash...

White Christmas

Dreaming of a white Christmas - we left the evening church service to the soft falling of snow - which lasted all evening.  We woke up to a white Christmas - the first in nine years.  A first for both Todd and M.

Family Photo

Sibling love

Getting into the holiday spirit - wearing a Santa hat, passing out presents.  It was fun to see her celebrating and taking part of traditions, being able to pass them on to her as well. 

Crazy Cousins in Christmas Clothing