New Holiday Traditions

Family sledding

As the kids get older, we've been establishing some fun family traditions for the Christmas holiday. One of our favorites from last year was our winter walk in the woods with Gma, Gpa, and Auntie. Unfortunately because of the carsick plus cold (with a side of Dramamine groggy) combo, Quinn was just not in game shape on Friday night for walk in the woods. And the weather didn't really cooperate for evening walks after that night. We've all agreed that it was a temporary pause and we will revive that tradition next year!

However, we added two new traditions this year and have unanimously voted them as keepers! On Christmas Eve, we headed out to Brenda and Mike's early to meet up with the cousins for a sledding party. Mike had hooked up the trailer to his truck, so everyone piled in for a group trip over to the lake lot. Then we spent about 40 minutes giggling and sailing down the hill to the lake, with a most beautiful sunset on the horizon. Quinn and Fiona had the best time. Dec did too ... until he didn't. Maybe next time he will listen when mama says to wear his big mittens. When everyone was sufficiently cold, we loaded back up in the trailer to start the family party. It was the best fun and we are already so excited for next year. The cousin group keeps growing (both in age and in numbers!). By next year, Hux will be flying down the hill too. And we'll have a new baby boy to introduce to the sledding hill.

Then on our way out of town, we stopped at cousin Otto's house for pancakes and playtime. Anna made pancakes to order (chocolate chips, blueberries, or sprinkles ... yum!) and the kids had the best time playing with Otto, his new easel, his trains, and his playdoh (and Yogi had a great time with Nyko). Otto is enamored with the girls and they are equally enthralled with him. They were so sweet to watch together. It was the perfect way to pack in a bit more cousin time and burn off some energy before the long car ride home.

These are the moments the kids talk about all year when they think about holidays. It's the experiences, not the presents, that mean the most to them.

Pancakes!!

Wear your big mittens, little man!

Beautiful girl. Beautiful sunset.

Daredevil

Loving the sledding