Merry Christmas 2020

Milk and cookies for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer

We had a quiet Christmas Eve this year.  We took a walk and played games with our neighbors down the street.  We ate cheese and crackers for dinner, opened a few gifts and watched a movie.  It was actually really nice to have a low key evening with no plans.  These were their new Christmas jammies and slippers.

The kids opened gifts from Lance's side of the family on Christmas Eve.  After opening they immediately started building the new toys they got.  Rylee is building a Lego Friends airplane and Carson is building a mini skate park.

On Christmas morning we woke up to new sleds and a whole pile of presents.  Santa Came! 🎅

Grandma Marcia, Papa Mike, Aunt Mandy, Uncle Jon and Kennedy came over Christmas morning for brunch and gifts.  We also had to celebrate my Dad's (Papa Mikes) birthday!

The kids got way too many gifts as usual.  They love making forts out of their gifts every year.

Of course Coulee had to be involved with everything.  She got quite a few gifts this year too!  Spoiled dog.  This art set was one of Rylee's favorite gifts.

We spent lots of family time together, playing games and snuggling.  It was one of my favorite Christmases yet!

Kennedy was so much fun.  That girl is such a trooper.  She was so happy all day and evening.  She loved opening her gifts and playing with all of Rylee's things.  

The kids were hilarious on the trampoline.  Kennedy was giggling nonstop!

Carson was very surprised to get his BMX bike.  He was a little disappointed that Santa didn't bring it, and after Christmas morning I think he had determined he wasn't getting it this year.  His face was priceless when he saw it.  One happy boy!

We had our traditional prime rib and crab dinner... so delicious!!  We ended the evening with carrot cake cupcakes for Dad's bday and some card playing.  Perfect day.  💗

Holiday festivities

 

We were able to find many safe and fun ways to celebrate this holiday season.  We had our annual cookie baking party with Grandma Marcia, Aunt Mandy and Kennedy.  We made candy canes, snowballs, magic bars, and the kids decorated sugar cookies.

Our neighbor Barb started a new tradition with the kids- gingerbread man and house decorating.  They also frosted sugar cookies.  She hosted Rylee, Carson, our neighbor Bryce, and her friend Cameron.  

The kids had so much fun and came home with so many goodies!

We also did our annual Christmas light viewing with hot cocoa and blankets in tow.  We drove through sky island and other neighborhoods in Bonney Lake.  People went all out this year!  We got some creative ideas for next year.  😊  Now we are ready for Christmas!

Award Winners

 This year has been challenging for sure.  Virtual school has been iffy at times, and I find myself wondering if the kids are learning anything.  I am constantly questioning myself- should I be doing more?  Less?  They want their space to do school independently, but then I wonder if they're actually getting done what needs to be done and doing quality work.  Its hard for everyone.

We recently had parent- teacher conferences via zoom.  Both of the kids teachers had good things to say.  They both are keeping up and doing well.  Their report cards were great!  Then came some awards... time to brag a little!😎

Carson got a Viking Card Award earlier this year for being respectful.  The vice principle called to congratulate him and tell us how great he is.  We were very proud!  😊

Rylee got a "Golden Ruler" Award last month for her academics.  Such a smart girl!  🎉

Carson got an "Empathy Award" this month from his teacher.  The November and December assemblies were online so I got to watch both him and Rylee get their awards.  Very exciting for me!  I could tell the kids were proud.  💗

Happy Halloween 2020

The kids started Friday morning with a costume zoom.  The kids kept their video off and the class got to guess what each person was.  No one guessed that Carson was a jester.

It was pretty cute to see all the kids costumes.  Some were pretty creative!

We went over to Jon and Mandys early Halloween evening for their traditional white chicken chili and some trick or treating with Kennedy.  She was adorable.  She walked down the street saying "more candy, more candy" and walked right into the neighbors house when they answered the door.  She was adorable!

We weren't sure how trick or treating would be this year so we decided to host a small party for our neightbor friends.  We had to go all out on the decorations and food.  It was so fun!  We even did "brain hemorrage" shots.  They were dangerously delicious.

Trick or treating turned out to be better than expected.  Not as many houses were handing out candy, but the ones that did went all out!  They ended up with lots of full size candy bars and bags of treats.

The guys played poker, we had Just Dance competitions, and had a bonfire.  The kids jumped on the trampoline with light from tiki torches.  It was a great way to spend Halloween.  One of my favorites.  We have the best neighbors!