Christmas 2023

Christmas morning 2023!  Oh the anticipation waiting to go downstairs.  I'm so glad all these cousins could be together!  With Brooklyn headed on a mission, it may be a while before all celebrate Christmas morning together again.

It wouldn't be Christmas without a bowlful of Trix.

Christmas jammie triplets.

My favorite day with my favorite man.

Present time!  Santa spoiled everyone with stockings.

So spicy, Eli!

Yarn for Talia!  Santa knows this sweet girl's skills.  

Talia needed a yarn refill after making so many beautiful gifts for others.

Do you like Adam's blob with a melted ice cream cone hat?  How about the penguin in a dragon costume?

Taylor Swift and the Emotional Support Pickle are my favorite.

More gift-giving joy.  Nothing says Christmas like brine shrimp socks.  :)

Brooklyn was pretty thrilled that Santa brought Legos this year.

Christy's published book!  Now there's a special gift to remember.

Don't miss the snake that Annika made for Eila.  It doubles well as a scarf.

After opening presents, we headed outside to play in the skiff of snow.  Just enough to make Christmas fun and Snurfing possible.

This was the perfect opportunity for Eli to try out his new ski helmet.

Christmas joy.

Splendid s'mores at the backyard firepit.

Uh oh!  Anders burnt his.  Not to worry--Callie will happily take care of it.

Sitting down to Christmas dinner.  Adam, you can't pop your own cracker!

Just as we were finishing our plates, these strangers appeared on our doorstep.  

Best surprise EVER!  We were *delighted* to discover that our Wells cousins had driven all the way from New York to spend Christmas with us, braving cancelled flights, bad weather, and more.  Jeanette, Janet, Katelyn, Alesia, and Greg: thank you!  

Despite the fact that they'd been traveling for more than 24 hours straight, this amazing family was still smiling.

We figured that after such a long trip we could at least feed them.

How does the saying go?  Your Presence is Present Enough.  While so very true, the Wells family spoiled us even more with these beautiful blankets.  Thank you!  We have so many cherished memories together.

I adore how our families keep chasing each other from East to West to somewhere between.  You know the bond is close when you can break out the caroling books without embarrassment.

 A long difficult journey culminating with warmth and love--this is really what Christ's birth is all about.  Merry Christmas!