Merry Christmas 2013

Did Darth Vader move into our house?

Not the typical Merry Christmas photo you'd expect to see first.  To kick off our two week break from school, Lukkas got a cold.  About two months ago, we learned that he has cold induced asthma.  So, when he gets sick, his breathing becomes asthmatic - like you'd see from someone with exercised induced asthma.  Anyways- it's a blessing that we know what causes his labored breathing when he gets sick - as he has had this since he was an infant.  Previous doctors told us it was just part of his cold symptoms.  Now, that we have the treatment - it makes a world of difference for this little guy as he gets through his cold.  

Christmas Eve -

I think we've started a new family tradition of opening one gift Christmas Eve that holds new jammies.  Grandma Julie found cute pj's that came with a matching set on a doll.  Lukkas received a pair as well, but I couldn't get him to sit still long enough to capture a good picture.

So, once the kids were all snug in their beds with visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads...

Yes Leif - assembly required!

He did a nice job - only took about 30 minutes to put together the kids trampoline.  Both of them love to jump and we'd been letting them jump on Leinna's bed, which also serves as our guest bed.  Well, the guest bed needs to be replaced with all the jumping they do and our friend Ruth as a similar trampoline to this one, which the kids loved.  So - Merry Christmas kiddos!

 They were so excited and love it!

Our Christmas morning was filled with many blessings.  We were spoiled by Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles.  Leinna truly understood the idea of opening presents - Lukkas - well, he was more concerned with collecting all the bows. 

So, Leinna would open his presents for him and then bring him the gift. We have more trucks and tractors now than I ever thought possible. 

Leinna enjoyed receiving a new baking apron and couldn't wait to make our first batch of cookies. 

She also enjoys singing her little heart out this days. What a perfect gift from Grandma - you push a 4 color code and the microphone plays a familiar tune while you can sing into the microphone. 

She even got Papa to take a turn!

Let's not forget out beloved dog Bailey.  She was caught snoopying in the presents on Christmas Eve when I told her she had to wait until morning.  Well, Bailey was the first one up - sniffing under the tree again.  I love that she has the Christmas spirit too!

As I've already said- we were spoiled and feel very blessed from our family and friends.  One would think with all the excitement of the day, we would have taken naps and just enjoyed a quiet afternoon.

Not with these two!

  I turned around from cleaning up Christmas dinner dishes and look who was hiding in the cupboards!  Such silly kiddos - I sure am thankful for the time we have over Christmas. One of the blessing of being a teacher. 

Has we wrap up 2013 - we anticipate Grandma Cynde and Pope coming down from Fairbanks for visit.  We also hope to get some outside playing time in as we are now gaining sunlight!  It's less than a minute each day - but we are gaining it back!!  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year