Day 287b Christmas Eve

Then all of a sudden, out in the house, there arose such a clammer of arranging and stashing a mountain of presents. All of the photos are here.

Tracy got these Etsy Open-Me-Firsts.

Bubble Bread

We contemplated betting Tracy
if she could reach the ceiling.

Santa's note explained he spilled on his red suit and had to
use the washer/dryer real quickly...

Day 287

We closed out our stay at the Gaylord with a visit to Mrs. Claus and Snowflake the Elf. Mrs. Claus was just right: prim, proper, and loving. Snowflake was a hoot. The day concluded with a Christmas Eve Service at TimberCreek Church (TCC). Tracy had some great activity booklets from Mardel's for all the TCC Kids attending. Well, there was Christmas Eve prepping at home later, but you'll have to see the next post for that... All the Gaylord photos are here.

Last look at the Winter Wonderland.

Mrs. Claus and Snowflake the Elf

TimberCreek Church's Christmas Eve service.

Day 286

As delightful as yesterday's weather was, today's was frigid. About 25 degrees on the dial with a wind chill to about 10 degrees. However, that did not stop most of the kids from getting in the last two rides: a tube-tug kiddy ride and ice bumper cars. Then we visited with the Charlie Brown characters followed by a stop at the Dippin' Dots counter. Another great take-out meal from Old Hickory Steakhouse followed by a visit with the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Nutcracker. The day ended with a raucous game of Texas Hold 'Em using Christmas cookies as chips! Oh, and the quilt gift got finished just in time. All the photos are here.

David was our very reliable elevator
door holder.

Texas Hold 'Em with cookie chips.

C'est finis!

Day 285

Today was ice skating and downhill tubing at the Gaylord. And after a delightful meal from the Old Hickory Steakhouse, it was time to decorate cookies and gingerbread houses. All the photos are here.

Day 284

After some last minute wrapping and prepping for house painting on the Foster side, we headed to the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center for a few days of pure Christmas fun. All the photos are here. First day included Build a Bear, a scavenger hunt, stickers and all, with a gingerbread house kit at the end the journey. And a walk through "I Love Christmas Movies" where you find yourself in movie set after movie set that you know and love.

First meal "out" with ALL of us in a long time.
Red Robin in Castle Rock.

Build a Bear for all!

Exactly how many in this family?!

Last minute wrapping before we left home.

"I Love Christmas Movies" was a blast!
"Bye Buddy, hope you find your Dad."

Polar Express coach.

AJ plugs in the Griswold Christmas lights!

The lobby!

Day 283

TimberCreek Church had service in person today! And Tracy (and Nana and Fina) had all kinds of stuff for TimberCreek Kids. AJ and the twins went Christmas shopping today; their gifts to others are now under the tree in red-and-black plaid wrapping paper. Matt whipped up a great steak and smashed potatoes dinner with which we enjoyed (really enjoyed!) a Daou Cabernet Franc that Trevor and Jen sent us. Wow! It's very nice to have Daou members in the family.

Gifts from Matteo/Lexi in blue, from AJ/twins in red/black.

Neighbor gifts