Eric is going on a mission! This is his last Christmas home for two years. When I asked him what traditions were especially important to him to make sure we do this year, he answered, "All of them!". So just for the record, here are the all important traditions that happen around the Schenk household around Christmas time.
#1 Cutting Down the Tree
Eric wanted to do the cutting so we got all the other decorations and lights up and then waited until he and Devin got home from college to put up the tree.
We always wear hats and place our hat on top of the tree we like best so we can find it again to show everyone. This was Eric's first choice, ha ha!
This one happened to be my choice.
Both boys took turns cutting and,
next thing you know, it's being loaded up for the trip home.
Katie and Devin did most of the lights and decorating.
Eleanor added a few nice touches.
And here is the finished product!
#2 Making Sugar Cookies
Katie made the best dough ever, and then recruited some helpers to roll out the dough.
Eleanor took in the process
and did a little dough rolling of her own.
Simple!
This is tasty stuff.
A few minutes later, the baked cookies are pulled out of the oven,
ready to frost and decorate. Eric demonstrates frosting with great expertise.
Eleanor is ready to do a little frosting on her own.
Of course, the frosting isn't nearly as fun as the sprinking. Let's just say, eating one of Eleanor's cookies was sure to give one a real sugar rush!
Devin has also had years of practice, and it shows.
Mmmm, these cookies were sooo good!
#3 Building Gingerbread Houses
This is such a big production each year it takes up the whole kitchen. Lani and Brody joined us to make a gingerbread house of their own.
Diane's got a very colorful roof going on hers.
Eleanor woke up just in time to start decoration her own house. Her mommy and daddy were in Seattle for the evening, but she got plenty of help from Uncle Dennis.
Carefully placing the candies on her house.
Some candies need to be tasted.
Getting the hang of things.
This is turning out pretty well.
I like making gingerbread houses!
I did it!
Devin's creation.
Lani and Brodys masterpiece.
The Doctor Seuss inspired house.
Eric displaying his colorful house.
With a fancy backside.
Katie and Josh got in on the action a little later. They were especially excited about the lego candies.
The whole village, including my new chalet design. Next year, we need more of those!
#4 Skiing with the Family
Heading up Chair 5. This is where we tend to spend the most time skiing.
While Katie and Josh took the rare opportunity to ski together, I played with Eleanor in the lodge. This was her first forray into the land of Play Do. She is a fan. It kept her entertained for a very long time.
Our favorite lunch on the mountain. Bagels with cream cheese and Doritos!
Some of these pictures were taken on New Years when it was nice and sunny.
Thanks for another great snow day, Mt. Baker!
#5 Hart Family Get Together
Now that we have an awesome new addition on our house, we have plenty of room to invite the family over. Sunday evening we shared dinner, games and our gift exchange.
And the Seahawks game. We have a few fans in the fam.
Lots of love to go around!
The whole clan!
And that's the best part of Christmas, FAMILY!
