We had a full, rich Christmas season this year. It started by hauling out this winner from our local MCC thrift store, and putting a few choice gifts under it on Christmas eve.
Prior to that, I had gone on a bit of a Christmas baking blitz (first time at this level), so that we could bring some neighbors and friends treat plates. It was a good way to meet some of our neighbors (over a YEAR after moving here!) and just spread a bit of yumminess.
Also, it was super handy to make up a plate for dessert whenever we had company.
Back to Christmas eve...we first went to an evening church service in town - in the pickup since it was snowing so heavily. Afterwards we went to my folks' to eat some delish snacks and, of course....
...to open gifts!
This was the first Christmas in which both kids realized that gifts are a huge part of the whole deal. Of course they were very excited by some new playthings....
...like Opa's new all-purpose wrench,
...and Anna's new art easel (she is crazy into drawing with pens and markers, so this is the perfect gift).
Here Anna waits patiently (?) on Christmas morning while the rest of us sleep blissfully until about 5:30am.
And then we opened some more gifts. We gave the kids each a dump truck and a small bowl with a tiny bag of gummies, a candy cane, and a gift (crayons for Anna, a mini tractor trailer for Jonathan). I got a sweet french press from myself and Ramont got a screwdriver set from himself. Quite a haul!
The truth of it is, though, that our kids went right back to their usual playthings: the back of the couch as their semi trucks with air brakes, shepherd and sheep in the "pen" of chairs/pillows, and putting stickers on a piece of paper. Christmas gifts drive me crazy (maybe a later post).
We went to church in the morning for a hymn sing, and then to my grandparents' house for dinner (and more gifts). Grandpa is 90 and Grandma is 85, so this was no small feat!
Here are Grandpa and Grandma with their five children, including my dad (center, back).
After some long naps we went to the annual Harder reunion for supper, which always has good food and conversation.
Then we tucked Jonathan and Anna into bed and packed like mad for an hour for our Christmas, part 2: Virginia. Photos will follow.
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