Our 12 Days of Christmas

12 Minutes of Skyping

We Skyped my brother and his family in TN on Christmas Eve. They, who are musicians, busted out theeguitar and we had a little Christmas song sing-along. The kids were pretty enthralled with the computer, seeing uncle Rob and also watching themselves.

11 Stuffed Animals for Veda

Veda's animal total is now 11. She has different favorites each day and is always welcoming new animals to her collection. Here she embraces Aunt Nancy's gift.

10 New Race Cars

Silas got ten new race cars and enjoyed eating breakfast with them Christmas morning


9 Takes of Pictures

Getting the little ones to sit still and look can be challenging. This was the best we got.


8 Hours of Driving

We drove to Lutsen (and back) for a few days after Christmas. We spent time with the Antonello family hanging out and skiing.


7 Adults and Two Kids
Joe, myself, Mr. and Mrs. Antonello, Joe's brother Mike and a young married couple from Russia that are friends with the family plus Silas and Veda. Everybody helped out with the kids and it was a really wonderful time

6 Trips of Putting Veda Back to Bed

This little stinker would climb out of her Pack N Play, escape her room and start jumping on Silas' bed. Joe and I would have to turn our heads in order for her not to see us laughing. Spirited little one she is!


5 Rounds of Pinkeye

First Silas, then Joe, third Veda (she was the worst) and then me. Now it looks like Silas may have it again. I say if we are all going to get sick it may as well be this!


4 Hours of Skiing

We got out for two half days. I went with Silas the second morning, we mastered the Bunny Hill and even ventured on some chair lifts. He had no fear of heights or speed. Lots of giggling and also some frustration. He was a total champ!

3 Nights at Bluefin 
We stayed in a big log cabin. It was perfect; the kids explored the place and also had enough room to play and be loud without bothering the people watching Dateline!


2 Captain Hook Ships

Grandma and Grandpa Solberg got the kids Captain Hook ships and they have been an absolute hit. Here they are holding their ships and watching Captain Hook.

And 1 Tree Missing Ornaments

I found myself rehanging ornaments most nights. I soon realized my efforts were futile so I just let it be. The kids would throw things in the tree and pull on the garland. And this is how it ended up.

The boys!

Joy!

Silas got a Nutcracker. He is really into the book and admires them at Target. Showing off his new loot!

Christmas Cards!!!!

Uncle Mike was a winner with  giving the kids a remote control Thomas.

We got both kids two things for Christmas knowing that A) they would get many (many) other gifts from extended family and B) they'd be happy with playing with anything new. I thought I stuck gold when I got Silas new leather cowboy boots. His current boots barely fit him anymore. He was excited about the boots, but not as excited as I thought. We also got him Superman PJs with a cape. Again, liked it but I thought for sure he'd wear it for days. Veda's Magnadoodle, on the other hand, has been a complete hit. Perfect for long car rides and dinners out at restaurants! And she has been wearing her new swim suit over her clothes.

Annual photo.

Being silly in the Chalet 

The back of Silas' head. 

Our tree is already down and Silas was quite sad to say goodbye. But we told him we could keep the snowman up and then he was A-Ok! Another Christmas season come and gone. May we all remember the true Gift that was given this season and carry it with us in the hear to come.