Survival Tip #10 (cont.): Spend lots of time with family.
Finally! Christmas! I have been telling my students for weeks "Isn't it great that on Jesus' Birthday He lets us get the presents?!" And this kept coming to my mind all day. It is so amazing that we get to exchange gifts with family and friends, but Christ gave us the ultimate gift of all! Praise God!
We started the morning opening gifts at our apartment, just Vander and I. This was the first year I was more excited for him to open his gifts than I was for mine :), but Vander was so generous and thoughtful with his gifts for me. We then took a walk around our neighborhood and spied as we could on other families. I know, we're creepers, but it was so fun to see kids running around their Christmas tree, squealing so loud you can hear them out on the side walk. Then we headed up to Vander's parents. We opened presents with them and then had a fabulous brunch, (cinnamon rolls and bacon) and hung out until June's brother and his family came over for an early dinner.
Quick side note: Vander's family finally found the "joke" we left for them in their tree. We bought this... ornament, I guess, when we were in San Francisco for Christmas. It sat in their tree for two days before they noticed it. :)
Sunday, after going to church we left for Leavenworth, WA. It is the most fabulous winter vacation in Washington. It's only a couple hours away and is magical. Several decades ago when the town started to lose it's industries (pear and apple processing primarily), the town decided to go Bavarian to revitalize the economy through tourism. If you prepared, knowing you're going to some where that is super touristy, you are going to love it. We always go for a few days after Christmas and stay at the Enzian hotel. We love it sooooo much! Everyone except Shawna was able to make it, (we missed her so much!), and Big V and June were kind enough to divide their two-room suite into girls side/guys side rooms, so Joel could come! We went tubing, cross country skiing, the guys went shooting and the girls relaxed. We sat in the outdoor hot tub while it snowed... and threw snowballs at Emily and Joel while they were in the hot tub :). I'm trying to convince my family to make a trip out some winter so they can experience the joy of Leavenworth.
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| Before Cross Country Skiing |
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| The Enzian Tree. The real bottom is on the 1st floor; the tree goes through a hole in the 2nd floor! |
What did you do this Christmas? What are your favorite traditions?
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