Christmas Week 2020

     Merry Christmas! It's been a fine week and our Christmas was great. Nothing too crazy but everyone got what they asked for and seem satisfied.

Charlie made this cute snowman in our neighbors backyard while we enjoyed a visit around their burn barrel.

We had a fun visit with our fun friend, Linda. She's the queen of Christmas decor!

She's got all the fun things.

A gingerbread house already constructed was genius but there were still tears and discouragement.

Not too bad for what they had to work with.

McClane and Charlie each had their own half to work on.

Our ward still managed to put on the traditional Christmas eve program, Covid style, and McClane and Charlie were shepherds.

Christmas Eve pajamas. There were some initial sizing issues but we worked it out. (McClane's might have been a little too snug.)

I love this time of night. The lighting is the perfect amount of highlighting and the prettiest shades of blue.

Christmas morning lineup.

The sibling gift exchange is always a highlight.

Isaac and Brock were our only circle.

Doesn't Carter have such pretty hair!?

Brock got all the things he was hoping for and more.

McClane also was thrilled with all his stuff.

And Charlie is obsessed with giving gifts and especially enjoys making little things for Mark.

The Wendel's joined us and baby Beau kept us all busy unwrapping any and all chocolate candy she could find.

And Greg got me a nice little space heater and candy so I'm all set for the winter. 

     I would be wearing matching pjs with the kids but I had to donate my pair to McClane, ha ha. I think Brock will donate his pair to me after Christmas is over since he doesn't normally wear pajamas so it's all good. 

      It's been a fun day/week. We're still looking forward to another week off of school and I'm sure these kids will find plenty of time to enjoy their new Christmas gifts. Don't forget to say "Jumanji" New Years Eve so we can hopefully get out of this messy year 2020 has been.

A couple things

     It's been a very quiet week, there's been some snow and last minute efforts to get bad grades to passing grades and simple school festivities covid style.

Charlie with her sugar cookie and wooden Christmas tree decor.

     

      And we've been noticing a resemblance between McClane and his Grandpa K. No question they're related. 

 

      We can't believe we're only 7 sleeps from Christmas Day! It feels so weird this year! No regular school programs or other holiday traditions. I guess we need to make more of an effort this coming week to try to create that fun anticipation that makes Christmas so magical. 

Major Awards!

      We had a couple highlights this week. Our leg lamp was delivered and we're hoping a trend will start and we'll see a few more join the Christmas decor in our neighborhood. This has been a long time coming and what better year then 2020 to finally pull the trigger?!

Our "major award" arrived this week. 

"Electric sex" on display in our front window.

     Charlie has been trying so hard to follow the prompts from "Light The World" this year and has been doing little kindnesses all week. She even spent some time tidying up her bedroom. 

The cat approves of Charlie's efforts.

     That's the biggest events for our week. We're looking forward to Christmas even if it's going to be much simpler this year.

New fence and Christmas decor

     Greg's been a busy guy, this week/always, rebuilding our back fence and installing a much needed gate. He started to build the gate to look like the rest of the fence but I just couldn't resist reminding him of my idea to make it a little more decorative and he reluctantly agreed to my chevron pattern. I think it turned out great and once he frames it, it'll be even better.

I love a chevron pattern and I love reclaimed wood!

     And while Greg worked on the fence I put up the Christmas decorations with some help from Charlie. 

Some much needed help untangling my stars.

Inside and outside looking very festive.

Charlie was thrilled to help with the tree and Smalls immediately staked his claim on our Christmas blanket.

 

Fence project about half way complete.

Looking so good!

And now it's 90% done. There's still a tiny section to complete with either a small gate or just more fencing. He'll also probably add corrugated metal to the top, per my request.

      Thankfully the weathers been sunny even if it's been bitterly cold. Greg would just stoke up the burn barrel to keep his work area toasty and of course dressed really warm. Thankfully he got it all done before the real winter weather hits.