Some Christmas Catching Up

Hard to believe that "Christmas" is over for another year.  We celebrated a white Christmas, which is a rare thing here in Vancouver.  So of course, when the opportunity allowed, we got out and played in the snow.

While the kids enjoyed the snow, and I loved it too (except for the worst driving conditions I have ever seen in this city) - Chris....well, let's  just say he's had his share of shoveling

Before heading out for the evening, the kids checked out where Santa was and where he had been.  Good old Norad did some find tracking for us, and the kids were amazed watching the video as to where he had been and how close to Canada he was getting.

Christmas Eve we spent at Uncle Laurie's house.  It was nice to catch up with the family, although the first time in years that there were no Ken Dye's at all.  In fact, that may have been the first year ever (they all went on a family cruise to celebrate Ken and Fran's 50th wedding anniverysary).  This is my "baby" cousin, her little one Katie and Kaylee and I.

When we got home, the kids knew that this was the night Santa was coming.  No question about that.  We haven't had time to do any baking this year, which made me do some quick thinking about not having a cookie ready to leave for Santa Claus.  I suggested that we leave him a candy cane instead, because he was probably getting pretty sick of all those cookies.  Luckily for me, the kids were both set on staying on the good list!!

So a candy cane, nine well counted out carrots for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Commet, Cupid, Dondor, Blitzen and Rudolph and a beer (ya, I know, great example we are) for old St. Nick were put out by the fire place for the arrival later that night.

While I thought that the kids would be up late, they actually fell asleep pretty quickly.  Chris and I stayed up late, watched Badder Santa (obviously HIS choice) and enjoyed some grown up moments before the morning hecticness.  Early to rise they were, running into our room after Santa had left stuff in their "extra" stockings (came with their pjs).  It wasn't long before we headed downstairs to see if all that work being on the good list paid off.

Santa was good to his word, bringing Braydon rod Hockey and Kaylee and baby Cinderella Doll.  Other askings, which came from Chris and I were the beloved Backugons and the Big Barbie doll car.

Mom, Dad and Richard joined us again for Christmas morning so they could enjoy Christmas through the kids eyes.  While the day as a whole is very overwhelming for the kids, they did really well and got completely spoiled.

Christmas Day dinner was at Nana and Papa's, where we enjoyed dinner with the other side of the family.  There I captured a precious picture of Daddy and his princess.....which shows all the love that Christmas contains.

Merry Christmas.