Christmas break

We barely fit in the van- all packed up for Christmas at the cabin. We even had to leave some stuff behind like our ski trailer. We might need to upgrade to a suburban one of these times especially with another carseat coming along. 

 One of the first things we have to do when we get to the cabin is find a tree and decorate it. It is never hard to find a tree because there are so many all around but this year was extra special because we got a really good looking tree from the top of a huge tree that fell over in a wind storm the previous week.

 A big Finnish Christmas tradition is to have Santa Claus come on Christmas eve- Just get a book from the library on Finnish traditions- its in there. So, our family has been doing it since way before my dad was born. This year was our first year at our own cabin instead of my dad's cousins house and it couldn't have been more of a success! In fact, I think it was the best year yet. I think the REAL Santa came.

 My favorite picture of all time! Just look at the pure joy on Zola's face and the fascination in Owen's curious gaze. It was perfect.

 All the cousins that could make it on that night... but everyone got jammies when they showed up.

 Andrew's gift was such a success. I don't think he ever put that remote control car down! "my mote"

 Andrew wanted to go outside all day every day. Since his daddy had to go back home to work after Christmas, he spent more time inside than he would have liked. But, he did convince Grandpa to go with him one day and he stayed out a really long time. When he came back, he could hardly see from under his cap.

 He was pretty cold but so happy about it. Thanks Grandpa!

These girls were two peas in a pod. 

 This little independent boy. one piece jammies are complicated to put on.

 Down time infront of the TV.

 Andrew always makes a line of cars when he gets a chance.

 Dennis put together one of his Star Wars Lego sets.

 We all got together at the temple to do family baptisms. Mom and I found a lot of names while she stayed at my house when I was sick. And it was pretty special because we baptized GG June and Aunt Margie. What did we do with all those kids? We set them up in 3 different vans with 3 different movies playing and one Grandpa in charge in the Temple parking lot. Then we went to get ice cream.