Snow day!

On boxing day we were going to go to the Heritage Christmas at Fort Langley. But when I double checked their hours, they were closed on Boxing Day. D'oh!

But then it started snowing, so we didn't need to go anywhere anyway.

And after hanging out and relaxing and napping and stuff, we had to kick all the kids out into the snow. But then, they realized how much fun they were having and everyone joined in.

For some reason, lying face down in the snow seems to be a big thing this year.

Jade keeps trying to snow board on our sleds.

More face plants.

Eventually I wandered off and left the kids alone so I could go take pictures of our driveway.

 A quick shot down the driveway shows that the only car in and out of our cul de sac all day was Larry getting dropped off at our house!

Wondering why there's a body in my driveway?

Apparently just lying around in the snow is a big thing this year too.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day always sneaks up on me way too fast. I look forward to the Christmas season and build it up and then BAM it's here.

I woke up this Christmas Day and wondered if maybe I focus too much on the wrong things. Though I also wonder if maybe I just don't want it all to end.

So, I don't think we go too crazy with presents at our house. Pretty  much, the kids get one present from Santa, two presents from us and now that they're older they buy each other one present.

Looking at Facebook, I feel a little bit guilty that my kids aren't getting the mountain of stuff everyone else seems to get. And you know, when they go back to school and compare lists, I hope they're not too disappointed.

 But starting January in debt just seems silly. And I am not a fan of piles of junk accumulating in my house anyway. So that's that then.

Elisabeth was not too sure about getting a box of cereal for Christmas.

Side note - David bought this hat for Elisabeth and one for himself too. So they could match. Awwwwww.

 Pretty pleased with his transformers shirt.

 yes. I made my children dress as elves on Christmas day.

Then we headed to Grandma's for presents and hanging out with her.

And the rest of the family :)

Christmas Eve in the Land of Christmas

My brother Rob arrived with his family on Christmas Eve. I thought that it might be a good opportunity for us to dash up the road to the Land of Christmas. I mean, people with preschoolers love this kind of place right?!

The family who owns this property started out by putting out a few lights and the display grew and grew and grew...

With more and more props

Until in 2009 they purchased the old Guildford Mall santa castle.

And it's open to the public to come and view the lights and visit with Santa Claus.

(if you're thinking about going, best to check their Facebook page for hours of operation. This year, I think it's closed until New Year's Eve.)

It was freezing cold, but we had so much fun.

This is Cara and Ashlie posing by their favorite dog from Paw Patrol.

And then three of the four littlest (on this trip) sitting in the giant chair.

Then we crossed this magical bridge and huddled around a fire.

<3

This is the best part of Christmas - hanging out with my family.

And then we went home and ate leftovers and watched Christmas movies.