Dreaming of a White Christmas

Not only did we dream of a white Christmas, we lived in a white Christmas! Chadwick was fortunate to have the entire week off. The two Saturdays prior to the actual holiday, he took the girls one at a time on a daddy-daughter date (something they both look forward to each month) for lunch and some shopping for the other sister. Sunday was full of hymns and new holiday dresses for all the little girls. Monday and Tuesday we packed, wrapped, and planned for a much anticipated trip to the cabin for Christmas. We spent Tuesday night at Steve and Nancy's house with Nana, celebrating an early Christmas with tamales, guacamole, chips, enchiladas, and dessert. We left Christmas Eve morning and made it to Garden Valley just as the snow started to fall in giant, fluffy flakes. Chadwick chopped down a tree, and we spent the afternoon watching "Frozen" and creating decorations for our tree - popcorn cranberry strings and rabies tags. =) 

For the rest of the day, the snow fell, accumulating in about 7-inches the following morning. While at the cabin, we went sledding, watched movies, played games, and enjoyed some down time. Santa followed us north to deliver his goodies overnight where Morgan spread "reindeer food" on the snow to guide the reindeer. Christmas morning, the girls slept in a bit and came bounding into our room, full of excitement. Morgan wanted to know what Santa had brought, Mallorie was riding on her sister's enthusiasm and asking to play with the big box of toys we found at the cabin. Still in our pj's, we opened presents and then had breakfast. That night, the four adults played Monopoly into the wee hours...Nancy and I called it quits around 12:30 and counted up the money. I think I won, but we were all exhausted. We returned to Boise Friday, Chadwick worked Saturday, and we prepared for the arrival of my family on Sunday afternoon. 

 

Presents? Books, a family of hedgehogs and kitchen furniture for the new doll house, movies, My Little Ponies, stick horses, clothes, a wheat grinder, a new food processor, maternity clothes, an annual pass to the local aquarium...and odds and ends.

Sunday after Christmas brought a visit from my parents from Albuquerque and Sean with his wife, Beth, from Hillsboro, OR. One couple moved into the upstairs office, the younger couple took over the toy room. And for the rest of the week, there were books, games, and "play with me!" heard from the Huntlet girls. Chadwick had to work most of the week but we were able to see him in the evenings despite the fact that work was super crazy. Of the 6 adults, only Chadwick and I were awake to ring in the New Year...what party animals we are! Ha! The house felt quite empty when they loaded up to head back to their different states. And I think the girls were bored as well as no one was around to entertain them at their beck and call!

The Christmas decor is coming down slowly. Tomorrow brings Morgan's return to preschool and an end to the holiday rush, fun, and spirit. What a season we had, one of memories and laughter.