Well, Reba and Grandma went and out did themselves again. :D The food was amazing as well as the lovely place settings. Thank you so much for the yummy breakfast and fun game playing. (We missed Grandpa like crazy...he was sick and stayed home this time. :( )
We open our gifts and celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve night. Our evening began waiting for Daddy to come home. 
I think we gave him 15 minutes to settle into some comfy clothing and the present opening began. :D
I've only included a couple pics of our evening...as there were lots taken. The last few are of Sammie with her gift from Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Andrea....make-your-own lip gloss. We laughed as we tried to mix it together and bottle it before it cooled and set up. Very cool and fun gift! Alex has yet to take a bath and try her make-your-own bath spa kit they sent, but that should be equally fun! Thank you to all extended family members for your gifts. We love you all. Have a very Happy Holiday Season. :)
At our office party, a co-worker named Kim, got me these lovely new additions to my snowman collection along with a cute t-shirt that says, "I'm not short, I'm fun size!" LOL I really love my job. I'm so blessed.
Today we all donned holiday hats and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. :D Good times. Off course I was the only elf in the bunch, but please...at my height...could I be anything else?!?!?! :D
...we purchased our tree from our local third generation farm. Everyone in the family loves it, including Callie! :D
Sammie was soooooo excited for tonight! :D She was absolutely beautiful. I went up the walk just get some pics of everyone. I can't wait until she comes home to hear all about it. :D Parenthood is the best!
Sammie had her Jazz Band and Full Band Concert last night. She was amazing! She soloed in the middle of one song during jazz band. Then the Saxophone section stood up during the full band section and wowed us some more! It was such a wonderful evening. Good job Sammie!:)
Oh, my, word! Alex was fabulous! :D We had such fun watching her perform with the chorus tonight. She's getting so big. And we have our first snow tonight too! :) I took a picture of one of the wreaths on our doors tonight as well. The girls and I are going to string some fresh cranberries and add them to the wreaths, but we haven't gotten around to it yet. 
We got a letter in the mail earlier this week saying that Alex was on the Success Board this marking period. Boy were we surprised when she ended up getting three awards! Two for her outstanding math grades and one for artistic expression. Wow! Go Alex! :D
We still aren't sure exactly why, but when Sammie comes out after a shower Callie can not get enough of her hair. She rolls around and plays with Sammie's hair, bites at it, and eventually lays down with her. (Almost on her head!) LOL Finally got a pic and thought I'd share. Too funny. :)
We stepped off the boat and began our steady walk up the island to find that we had chosen a day that Boldt Castle was hosting a Wine & Cheese tasting event...along with a wedding. Both were extremely enjoyable to be a part of while we took in all of the island and learned of the home's history.
Much of the home is not finished, but here are some pictures of the rooms that are.
The library is always my favorite place in a home like this. The fire places in every room were just immense!
This one upstairs bedroom that was finished seemed very romantic, with river views from all four windows, a fire place and a private bath.
When looking straight up the central staircase, this it the ceiling. Just gorgeous! 
We finally reached the very top...after starting in the basement...and I was exhausted! Thank God for the elevator going down. :D Boldt Castle was such fun.
