Christmas proper we spent in southern California, with Collin's family. We were all there and it was such fun! The Lambourne siblings (the original ones--Collin's siblings) are hilarious when they are together. Christmas Eve was especially perfect. We ate and laughed until our sides hurt, dressed everyone up for the nativity, sang along to Collin's guitar until late. Christmas morning presents at Grandma's house was cosy and chaotic, just as it should be.
Grandma got a special gift from her children that knocked her socks off, it was unexpected and just what she wanted.
Then playing with toys--outside and in--all the rest of the day.
More great food, in great quantities.
Quiet movie time, hot chocolate, repeat.
A California Christmas is pretty different than what I grew up knowing. Not every Christmas was snowy white in Utah (the year I got a new bike I was able to ride it on dry pavement Christmas day!) but it was cold and some years it was snowy white. Palm trees and warm sunshine were fun for me to experience as we went about caroling to friends of the family.
Grandma did a marvelous job on the festive decorations inside. I am always ready to snag a picture with Grandpa when permitted--especially when everyone is in Sunday best.
The cousins played fabulously together for hours and hours and hours. We did have to remind them to quiet down from time to time, but they were so happy and busy it was hard to think of interrupting them. Even for meals.
Funny story about the mailbox. The kids were randomly snuggling while waiting for the adults to get going and I snapped a picture. The next day it was decided the day had come to say goodbye to the mail box. Uncle Garrett took some karate chops and kicks to it and it was a goner. So RIP, beloved mailbox.
This family doesn't sit around much. They are goers and doers of fun things. Ice skating was deemed seasonal so we booked some time on the ice. I had little faith the kids would make it the full two hours we had paid for, but after some tears and learning curve we had to finally drag them off the ice. It was a success because aunts and an uncle were there--full credit given.
Dressed up for tea. We'll try another tea place next time for our ladies afternoon outing, but the girls were so cute and happy. I for one hope this will be a regular tradition!
