Christmas

For 2 days we couldn't find our camera, why? Because I put it somewhere safe. I found a spot for it and forgot. So for 2 days during Christmas, no pictures. Sad...I found the camera after all the presents were opened. Rick got an i-pod touch, tools, ski boots, stereo, socks (lot's of them), games, calendars, motorcycle stuff, cd's. Dylan was showered with Legos. Santa brought him a huge one as you can see him starting to build on the picture. He also got, 4 other sets, skis, boots, clothes, lot's of wii games, the Harry Potter book series, family games and money. Isabella got her deer from Santa. She has been looking for that deer for a long time. She also got tons of other animals, lego set, movies, cooking supplies, books, games, wii games, clothes, ski's and ski boots and money. I got a cute kitten, nice clothes from Rick, a very cute "sisters" statue, hair dryer, food processor, lotions, family genealogy book, a cool statue from Canada and money. We also got some really cool Olympic gloves from Jim and Cheri (Jenn's parents- we are going there in February!) They are so good to us. My mom spoiled us as usual. Dylan and Isabella always get exactly what they want. This year they got a wii fit and a wii skateboard. It is amazing how she will give everything she has without thinking twice about it while she will go without. I just appreciate it, even though she is so far away, she still knows them and what they are all about. 

Christmas Eve

Christmas is always hard for us without having family around. But we have established some great friends which makes things a lot easier. Every Christmas Eve the West Family comes over for a big Swedish Smorgasbord. I think this is our 4th year (or maybe 5th...can't remember) We go to their house for Thanksgiving and they come here for Christmas Eve. This year Jim, Cheri and Shauna also came (Jenn's dad, mom and sister. They are so sweet to us. They live in Vancouver Canada. This year I made a Rib Roast. It was really good, I cooked it a bit long though. We also had the typical Swedish foods like meatballs, scalloped potatoes, herring, cheeses, bread and more. Every year Santa Claus drops off a gift for each child as he drives across the sky. It always drops right outside on our front lawn. This year the boys got a marshmallow gun and the girls got a candy oven. It's amazing how crazy it get's. We also exchanged gifts and it is always fun.

Christmas Treats

We try to bake some goodies to give out to our friends every Christmas.  This year we did, gingerbread cookies, caramel with praline, chocolates, chocolate chip cookies, s'mores, peanut butter cookies with chocolate kiss (Dylan made those all by himself). For those who did not get any...sorry we ran out cookies.

My Christmas Present

Rick decided to surprise me with a little kitten for Christmas. He wanted to give him to me on Christmas so he took him to the Wests to take care of him until then. Well he only lasted one night there. He was really bored so he would play in his catbox, hence the nick name "poop flinger". He is adorable. I named him Nisse. Which is a mythical creature from Scandinavian folklore. Nisse were believed to take care of a farmer's home and children and protect them from misfortune, in particular at night, when the housefolk were asleep. He is more like a dog then a cat. The other day he sat in the window and "growled" at some people walking by. I think he is more brave then Mika.

Alphabet Garden Designs Christmas Party

Jenn and I decided to have our work party at our house this year. It was a lot of fun...but a lot of work. I do love to entertain, but for some reason it wears me out. Karen and Jamie came with their families. We played some games and charades. Did a white elephant gift exchange. I think Rick took the price with the most obnoxious gift...well guess which one...actually it's not even a picture of it. We all had fun except Dylan who got his Wii broken. Thank goodness for Costco.

Christmas Tree Hunting

It was that time of the year again to get a Christmas Tree. This year we went with our friends Matt and Jenn plus family to a really cool Christmas tree farm. You park and then they take you to their tree farm on a big trailer with a tractor. You sit on hay bales with blankets to keep you warm. The ride is about 10 minutes. It's really pretty but cold.

At the site there is a big fire pit where we can roasted some marshmallows and drank hot cocoa. Kids loved it. It took me a while to find the perfect tree and I know Rick was getting irritated, but he hung in there. We loved it.

Thank goodness for real trees!