A&W: Welcoming the Andruses and Wilhoits

Since we spent last Christmas quarantining with Covid, we were so excited to spend this Christmas with family.  After much anticipation, we began to welcome our guests just after the winter solstice.  NomiAnn and Papa Kay were the first to arrive.

Meanwhile, the Wilhoits began their trek from Washington.  I love this picture--Eila and Anders are holding hands for comfort as they watch The Incredibles.

Zoe seems unconcerned...

...at least until introduced to Spark.  Zoe was generally content with the guinea pig's existence, but found it unjust that Spark was being fed an apple core and she wasn't.  (We fetched some apple for Zoe too.)

Eli sure was happy to have her around.

NomiAnn and Papa Kay arrived with a car full of treasures--like Elf pajamas! Also, do you like the dormitory? With enough cots, our house can accommodate a crowd. Now if only we had some separate practice rooms...

These cousins were so happy to be reunited with both each other and a good book.

Meanwhile, the boys indulged their animal side.

Speaking of animals, we took a pilgrimage out to the Farm at Gardner Village.  These little calves were brand new!  The really memorable part, however, was Mama Cow, who nearly swallowed Callie's arm while slurping up the feed.  Nursing must make her hungry!

Papa Kay seemed to connect with this horse.  I think I'm going to name it Mr. Ed.

And this is why they tell you to keep your hands flat when feeding the animals,

Eila and Anders enjoyed the super soft bunny.

I just love how intently Anders is watching.

As for Callie, the sheep were more her style.

And the alpacas?  Well, they have a style that's all their own.  (Just watch out--they spit.)

Last but not least, after multiple attempts during many visits, Annika finally managed to catch a chicken.

Later that evening, we headed over to This is the Place for their Candlelight Christmas.  This was our first time attending, so I had no idea what to expect.  I'd highly recommend!  The decorated houses and carolers were charming.  These carolers were singing at the Andrus Halfway House, an inn run by one of Milo Andrus's wives.

Here's Papa Kay checking out a picture of Lucy Loomis, one of his ancestors by marriage.  We all liked the house but loved the gingerbread cookies served there.

In another one of the cottages we got to make garland out of fabric scraps. 

Warming up by the fire before heading into the Live Nativity. 

We met the tinsmith, blacksmith, and leatherworker.

We also got to roll our own candles out of beeswax.

Writing letters to Santa.  Anders would like a Spiderman book and a coconut costume.  Meanwhile Eila is adding some beautiful drawings to her wishlist.

Delivering our requests to the Father Christmas himself.

Oops!  Too many photographers.  Sweet Eila's looking right this way...

...but from this angle both she and Annie are off in outer space.

In this photo it's the boys that are off in La La Land.

Ah well.  As Callie can attest, our family has a long tradition of awkward photo shoots with Santa.

On Christmas Eve morning (also known as Adam's birthday), we awoke bright and early to head up to Brighton.  It's a good thing we left early because the canyon was packed, even before eight.  Here's Anders enjoying his breakfast bagel from the parking lot.  What a cute little dude!

Eila and Anders had to hustle because they had their very first ski lesson scheduled at nine am.

Flora Laura taught the lesson while NomiAnn and Papa Kay proudly stood by and took videos.

Look at Anders skiing already!  Both he and Eila caught on terrifically.

Stopping for some snow play after.  With the slopes covered in fresh powder, the day couldn't have been more beautiful.

Pausing for lunch in the lodge.

We were lucky enough to have Ski Santa stop by, all full of enthusiasm and candy.

After lunch it was off to Explorer for some private lessons with Uncle Jason. Without a doubt, Jason's an expert ski instructor!  He must love it too, because he keeps finding new people to teach how to ski.  It's possible that he's ridden the beginner Explorer and Majestic lifts more than any others this season.

The newest slope surfer, Eila.

Meanwhile, I kidnapped Callie and Adam so that we could ski some trees and enjoy the fresh powder.  It may look like Callie's coming in for a kiss on the cheek, but really, I think we're toppling.  Like I said, we're talented with awkward photos. 

A couple more with Callie and the birthday boy himself.  They truly are the cutest couple!  

Much to everyone's joy, we finished the day full of smiles and without any broken bones.  Add in birthday presents, and it was the best Christmas Eve ever.