We flew over to Spokane on Christmas Eve, although were a bit concerned that we might not make it sense the weather had been pretty bad here in the Seattle area as well as Spokane and MANY flights had been canceled and the horror stories of those not making their flights were all over the news. A bit worried and nervous we wouldn't get there, but in the end, the day was mild both here and Spokane and we made it there, just a couple of hours late. Josh, Mandy and Jayden had driven over the day before, which was a good thing as there was more snow in the pass the day (24th) they originally planned on driving over. Josh was a godsend to my mom, helping her get all her errands done and taking her wherever she needed to go. The roads were AWFUL, with piles of snow so big, you could hardly tell it was a road. There were cars that were completely covered with snow and many roads were barely passable and if you had to go up a hill, well you then needed some good tires and 4 wheel drive didn't hurt either!
Christmas Eve dinner was the usual, traditional cracked crab, fresh break and salad...yum!!! Terri's brother's family, Scott, Betsy, Sam and Syd were there as well and we all devoured 6 crabs...completely! After dinner we piled, LITERALLY, into Josh's vehicle, a Durango...10 of us in all...to head up to some good friends(Connie, Kat and Hanna Stark, Jackie and Mel Schmidt) for dessert, pie and hot buttered rums! Although a bit crowded in the vehicle, we made it there and home, safely.
Jayden is excited for Christmas...the fun is just beginning!Scott, Sam and Syd are relaxing at Connie's place on Christmas Eve.
Terri and Mandy sip their hot buttered rums...ummmmmmm!
Sis and Jackie, sisters at heart, enjoy some time together
Our hostess, Connie, who made some delicious pies for us to enjoy!!Jayden thorougly enjoyed playing with Hanna this evening...she loves Kat and Hanna!
The Schmidt/Stark family.
The Hege's and Beloits...Christmas day brought a bit of a break in the snow, so everyone made it to the condo for our traditional brunch and opening of gifts. Although a tough day as it was the first Christmas without Dad, it was great to be with family and all share the holiday together...that is what holidays are about, spending time with family and my dad wanted us kids to all stay close...and he would have loved having such a full house...so to speak that day. There were 20 of us in the condo...a lot of people for a small living room, but it was awesome...the spirit of Christmas was definitely there that morning! Mom out did herself, providing the usual spectacular brunch which we all look forward to all year long! After brunch, opening of gifts and more catching up, everyone went on their way to continue the day with other family members...and we enjoyed the quiet and relaxed a bit. Rick and I did venture out a bit for a few photos...how could we resist with ALL the snow...it truly was unbelievable!
Jayden is amazed that Santa and his reindeer ate nearly all the goodies and drank the milk she left for them!!
David, Terri's niece's husband, played the cello for us before we opened gifts and had brunch...he was wonderful!!!
Jayden is enjoying the live entertainment!
Jack, 2 years old, playing his dad's cello...amazing!
The guys are hungry and don't hesitate to start when the food is ready to go!
Sam, Jayden, Syd, Jack and Leah
Kirk, Blake, Sarah and Leah Impecoven
Jack, Heidi and David Austin
Krissy and Chris Mikkelsen
Scott, Sydney, Samantha and Betsy Hege
Josh, Jayden and Mandy
Two more days in Spokane until Terri and her mom headed for California, Rick flew home and Josh, Mandy and Jayden drove back...some more snow, more photographs and a few errands. We all had dinner on the 26th with Spike and Molly Lynch (THANK YOU!!) and Jayden was loving it there...they have two granddaughters so had tons of doll and Barbie things for her to play with...and she even got Spike to play with her a bit. Jayden also enjoyed "playing the piano" as well...it was a fun evening and great to spend some time catching up with good friends! Saturday afternoon, Terri, Sis and Mandy all got pedicures...I know seems kind of strange for the winter, but ohhh, it felt so good and our feet, besides being pretty, felt much better afterwards! Sis was amazed at how quickly the Christmas decorations came down...when you have a extras helping you...it goes quickly...and isn't the chore it usually is.After all the snow, cold and difficulties getting around during the holidays, it's got us all thinking about next Christmas...and we're thinking a cruise to somewhere WARM sounds pretty good...and a great way for us all to be together without some of the stress that comes during the holidays...we'll see if we can pull it together. We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and were able to spend time with family and loved ones.
One last thing...as I look at the photos, I realize I don't have any of my mom where she isn't working...and so I feel bad she's not in any of these...so believe me, NEXT year, I will get her with everyone!! Be warned mom!!! Just know she was a HUGE part of our Christmas...she made it all happen and we love her for every bit of it as I know it was a lot of work and was a tough year for her...so thank you, Mom...we all love you very much!!!
Couldn't resist adding some snow pics...since this was what we had a REAL WHITE Christmas this year!!
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