Snow!

This morning Eric looked out our back door and noticed that it was white on the mountains, so I decided to round up the kids and take them out of the rain and into the snow. I drove up the Basin road to the Lost Mine trail. We played for a very short time. I couldn't find the kids gloves, we were all wearing substandard shoes, and I kept falling down. So I just let them play until their fingers got cold, then shoved them back into the van. Sam is upset in this picture because somebody else was using Mama's camera. A nice visitor took our picture, so I took their picture in return. A fog bank rolled in as these pictures were being taken, so I didn't get any nice Casa Grande pictures, except the ones I took from the road on the way in. It was thick fog for the drive home.

Yup, here's the snow!

Getting closer...

Driving up to Snow

Pop gun

Sam also got a pop gun for Christmas. He isn't allowed to point it at people or animals. Even Awyn's figured out how to work it though, and they have had a lot of fun with it.

Jump!

Awyn has made a friend. One of our guests was present both nights, and Awyn really took a liking to him. She still doesn't like strangers, and really gets picky about going to anyone but me. She makes very few exceptions to this rule. However, she's decided John is really cool, and will even let him pick her up!

Fun Fan

One of our guests brought Sam and Awyn presents - some fans that light up. Sam broke his right away, so he stole Awyn's after she went to bed.

Another Party!

And yes, here's the next evening, another party! This time I didn't have to do any of the work - the guests brought the food, prepared the food, and even cleaned up after. It was like getting another wonderful Christmas present.

Morning After

This would be Awyn and Sam, the next morning, zoning out to their new favorite video, Dora.

Part of the Crowd

We had about 25 guests for Christmas dinner. We hosted the orphan dinner. It was a success, and we're considering hosting it next year too. We'd intended for most of the 'festivities' to take place outside in the back yard, but it was just too cold. I think almost everyone found a place to sit. I cooked a 20 lb turkey and a 9 lb. ham, a couple of pies, and the stuffing. Eric made his favorite cranberry relish, wassail (a hot spiced wine beverage) and did a ton of yard work. Everyone else brought everything else. Our friend Debbie came over early and made the whole thing much easier - she came early and ready to pitch in, exactly when I needed someone to pitch in.

Lots of little kids, jumping on the bed.

Train as Hat

Posing under the tree

Awyn changes the points

Awyn was actually pretty good at moving the trains around the track, changing the points so they'd do different loops.

I am King Titan

Sam really really likes his robot.

Sam also got a Thomas train set, and he loves it.

Even Awyn likes King Titan.

Dora

Dora is suddenly a huge hit at our house. Sam plays the movie repeatedly if I let him.

Chocolate Santa

Ooh, presents!

Awyn really likes her wings!