Gathering, giving, baking and partaking

Our Christmas memories are shared among both of our extended families, as all of our trips up to Oregon are!  We definitely appreciate the convenience in having both sets of parents living in the same city, especially when it comes to big holidays where we split up our time.  Nevertheless, it is fun to reflect upon the different ways we are able to spend time with family.

On Christmas Eve, we kicked things off with a trip to the donut shop with Grandpa Dale!  It didn't take much to twist his arm to go--- only mama's arm, because it was just about lunch time!

No other toppings could delight this marshmallow-loving girl more! 

Sweetness all around.

We enjoyed an afternoon of gift giving and togetherness with Brant's family, followed by the traditional cheese fondue dinner and candlelight service at church.

Happy to be together!

Auntie Amber made these adorable aprons for the kids!

The year of Legos is what this Christmas became for Maddie!  She was given 5 different sets over the holiday season, all proving to be wildly popular in her spare time -- love that!

She's growing up.  Oh, how I love her.

Fondue fun!

My crew; they keep me on my toes, that's for sure!  I'm one blessed woman.

We reconvened with my parents at church.

Nostalgia at its best.  So many precious memories from my childhood, just like this one.

Another favorite holiday activity is baking, and both kids happily donned their new aprons for the task of baking with Grandma Marty!

And of course, part of vacation means relaxing and laying low.  Maddie had no trouble finding a corner and curling up with a book, while Geoffrey was content to just curl up with the next available lap!

Christmas morning found us at my parent's house, where we were woken up much too early (as any parent with young children on Christmas morning should say).

Eager to open, or continue to open up their stockings!

I know the picture is blurry, but I just love it!  This boy is bursting with excitement because Santa brought him gloves!  I think we all should be this grateful for a gift, no matter what it is! 

Maddie and Geoffrey each give a gift to each other, that they picked out at the store.  Maddie gave Geoffrey legos this year! 

Geoffrey picked out a "Frozen" bath set (lotions, etc.).  They know each other well!

Quick "thank-you" hug, and back to business!

We also have a tradition where the kids pick out and give either Brant or me a gift, and each year, we swap.  This year, Maddie gave me a holiday-themed nightlight, and Geoffrey chose to give Brant some toy green soldier bookends (he found it at the store, not knowing what it was, and saw the picture of books on the box exclaiming, "Daddy would love this!" He knows his father well!)

One of the highlights of gifts this year, was the light-up Elsa dress...Maddie has been talking about this dress since last Christmas, and her daddy never forgot.  You guys.  This dress lights up and sings, "Let it go" with every twist and twirl...a little girl's dream, and her mother's worst nightmare.  But really, it is sweet to watch her enjoy this stage of playing dress-up, because we know it won't last forever.

First glance...wait for it... 

Annnnd, we're jumping up and down!! Its really the dress!!  Its really the dress!!! 

Prettiest Elsa I ever did see.

A few other sweet pictures...

We took a small break, which included cleaning up and quieting down, before "round 2" began, when my sister's family arrived, and all of the excited cousins were together again!

Geoffrey and Ben

Joy loved the outfit we gave her -- just her style! 

Ellie and Maddie, loving every minute of the morning!

Matching robes for Maddie and her doll.

The weather was cooperative, and we were able to get the kids out to the park which was a nice break for all!

Matching gloves from Santa, and matching Frozen purses!  Score! 

These four know how to have a lot of fun together.

My best friend, through and through.  I hate the distance, but love the friendship.

Playing Hoot Owl Hoot!  We love this game, and it's fun to teach it to new people!

Tim and Sarah, relaxed after a fun and special day.

The only picture we snapped together on Christmas Day.  Love this man!

Only my mother can pull off a cake like this one!!  It was as big as her head!

This sums up the day perfectly. :)