Christmas

 Our Christmas journey to the cabin began with a stop to see Grandma Susan and Great Grandpa Orchard. Grandma and Great Grandpa were so happy to see how much fun the kids had with their farmer trucks and jewelry making kit.  They couldn't believe how big they had gotten and how much the boys were talking.

 The first item of business at the cabin is going to cut the family Christmas tree.  Steven just purchased a state of the art camera and lens so we recruited him to be the official photographer of all of the weeks precious moments.  

 Decorating the tree - Uncle Josh's airplane collection, Uncle Steven's Grinch collection and Papa's talking Star Trek collection are always a huge hit! I had a nostalgic moment when I hung the plaid lace hearts that mom and I made for our first Christmas at the cabin.  

 Christmas Eve = Cookies for Santa, Letter to Santa and Jammies!

 Ella asked Santa for a Journey Doll - Cade for a fast motorcycle - Cole for a black train. Ella actually pulled a fast one on us this year.  When we first asked her what she wanted for Christmas, she said a Journey doll, an American Girl Bitty Baby and a tablet.  Wow!  I reminded her that she could ask for anything she wanted but that didn't mean that she would actually get everything on her list.  She nodded that she understood.  So, fast forward a couple of weeks to our visit with Santa.  On her list, just a Journey doll and Bitty Baby, no tablet.  Hmmmm....easy, thought Santa.  And he quickly went to work. Fast forward another week to a Costco shopping trip with Uncle Steven where Ella declared the following: "I just asked Santa for a Journey Doll and Bitty Baby because I knew he would just give me one expensive thing.  I am asking mommy and daddy for a tablet."  What?!?!  Where did this smart little cookie come from?! 

 Cade was glued to racing his fast motorcycles and Cole laid on the floor so the train would just brush his nose as it went by.  

 A Seahawk snuggie for our two 12th men!

Cole!  Is this the sweetest face ever?!  I just want to kiss you!

 In an attempt to determine the alpha male of the group, Scott and Josh engaged in a white wash war.  No winner - as they were both covered in snow and out of breath by the end.  

 Smashing of the ornaments filled with $$$.

 Building of the annual Gingerbread House.

 With all of the Christmas and cabin excitement, there is always someone or someones snuggling on the couch trying to catch a few ZZZZZ's.  And so we sign off at the end of another eventful year - overflowing with gratitude for a life filled with love from wonderful family and friends and for neverending blessings that have filled and continue to fill our lives.