Christmas Snow on the Crabapple

The crabapple tree at the "little house" on the day after Christmas with a streak of warm sunshine and deep powder before the big thaw.

We had Christmas with family. We left early enough to "not outrun" but to blow in with the Northwest blizzard. We were the last to drive the Columbia River Gorge preceding Christmas, passing through the interstate gates 18 minutes before closure. We were able to enjoy literally being snowed in with parents, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces, and cousins for five days. We woke up before dawn on Christmas morning, creeping around by candlelight, grinding coffee beans in an antique mill because of a power outage. Lights came on mid-morning in time to heat cinnamon rolls and blend orange juliuses. It was a memorable Christmas for all, steeped in traditions.

Finally....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Family Portrait Outtakes

Gabe got away with his unsuspected shenanigans during the summer's greater family portrait and thought he'd try it again. Marshal wasn't so humored with the fading light and all. Good thing Marshal had cut out half his own head with most of the shots anyway.... :-)

More Snow and Graham Cracker Houses

Snow, snow, snow today! Happy rosy cheeks and snowflakes on lashes.

Lydia's Graham Cracker, candy house.

We scoured the cupboards and found tube frosting from birthday cake endeavors, jelly beans from Easter, Candy Corn from October, licorice from who knows, marshmallows and graham crackers from Summer S'mores, chocolate chips, and Trader Joe's organic, no artificial food dye suckers - Voila!

Snow rash and baby blues.

Waking up to December Snow

Gabe and Lydia woke up to snow this morning. They woke an hour early. Snow on the forecast and teasing Saturday afternoon flurry had them longing and pleading for snow. They woke this morning with the joyful squeals of hopes fulfilled. It was like Christmas morning. They received the snow as a wonderful gift. I had them in snow clothes and out the door in no time. They stayed out for an hour before coming in to warm up, dress, fill their bellies with warm scottish oats and cream, and heading to church.

Here they are in front of Marshal's hand built staircase.

Getting a tow by big brother to the back side of the house.

A new super duper fast slope as a result of the re-excavation last spring. They are in front of a neighboring house on the back property line. This slope made Marshal a wee nervous.

The Season of Christmas

Santa and Mrs. Claus came over on the foot ferry Saturday evening and took little ones on their laps in the waiting sleigh on the waterfront. Parents all were given a free photo op. Our community had their 10th annual Chimes and Lights festival with free chili, cider, cocoa, hay rides, caroling, city hall chimes, lots of holiday lights and fireworks. It was a cold but clear evening. Marshal brought cocoa to warm the kids as we waited in line to see Santa. The kids sucked candy canes, and we stood in the smoke of the warming kettle fires while we watched the fireworks over the water.

I trimmed the tree in record time with the help of two busy extra set of hands. The daily advent box is first priority each morning. Gabe and Lydia make haste down the stairs as they rub sleep from their eyes. There have been chocolate coins and little snowman, as Mom didn't have time and energy to be real creative.

Cutting the Tree

December 1st, Marshal was on leave and studying hard for Boards.

The expert tree-cutter, taking a study break.

Evergreen excitement!