Although we were worried in the days leading up to Christmas that someone was bound to be ill (Juliana was out of school with flu-like symptoms Dec. 19-21!), everyone was healthy and ready to celebrate in style!
On Christmas Eve, we attended an afternoon church service and then headed over to Grandma and Grandpa Giese's for our traditional pizza dinner and gift opening. Juliana was THRILLED with her gifts, including a doll wardrobe and many other American Girl accessories, a beautiful sparkly dress for her, and an emoji pillow. Connor was happy to receive lots more Lego sets, ski goggles and some ping pong paddles (for our new, FREE table!) It was so much fun to see Allison really getting into it this year as well. But she wore herself out!
Before heading to bed, the kids got to open 1 present each. Juliana opened her "Broadway-themed" box, complete with a game, Broadway sign for her room, Kristen Chenoweth CD and signed poster and a special charm bracelet with 10 of her favorite shows. Connor opened a North Pole Express battery operated Christmas train. Then they donned new elf pjs and said goodbye to Icicle until next year. They were a little worried about being able to hug him since he didn't leave a note, but we assured them it would be ok.
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| Goodbye until next year, Icicle! |
Christmas morning, Connor was up at 5:15 and had to wait until close to 7 for Juliana and me to come down! The kids tore through their stockings and Santa gifts (AG tv and couch for J and Lego fire station for C) and then dove right into our family gifts. Juliana is over the moon about the saucer chair and new comforter she received for "redoing her room."
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| reading the goodbye letter from Icicle |
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| a name necklace she's wanted forever! |
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| mermaid blanket (and matching doll one) made by Amy B! |
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| feeling sad that gifts were done... |
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| xmas tree waffles |
Christmas evening, we hosted dinner for the family. I got to pull out the xmas serving ware that has long since been forgotten about!
Then, we headed up to Appleton Dec. 30 for yet another round of Christmas/birthday celebrations! We even snuck in a day of skiing at Navarino Hills. Sylvia and Caroline did great at their first attempts! Connor was raring to go, but then go quickly discouraged by the rope tow. But he managed to get back up and conquered the big hill with some help. Juliana did great by herself!
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| the BIG, daunting 100 foot hill, LOL |
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| up the chairlift |
The kids were very enthusiastic present-openers! Juliana received her long-awaited opal necklace, a beautiful bulletin board, a new sleeping bag and some Legos. Connor got some Legos, a sleeping bag, a puzzle, a laser tag game, a spy kit and some super cool monster trucks. I think every single present has been a hit!
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| He has done this puzzle about 20 times since then! |
Then, it was time for Connor's birthday quarter grab.
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| Let's make a deal and DO this, Grandpa! |
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| He pulled over $35! |
Then on to the non-chocolate Star Wars birthday cake...
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| A happy birthday boy! |
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