The Heinlights: Christmas 2013

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Christmas 2013

We had another white Christmas. Nathan only got 'phase 1' of the lights up this year but the house looks festive just the same.

The weekend before Christmas we celebrated with Nathan's family. Each kid gets their own Santa bag.

Grace and Vivi's first Christmas. Grace is 10 months old and Vivi 6 weeks.

We hosted some of the family on Christmas Eve. We went to church and then came home and had wild rice soup…aka 'Vat-O-Fat'.

Christmas morning Santa found Vivian for her first holiday and was also good to Nathan and I. A few of Vivi's gifts included an Add-A-Pearl necklace from Nathan, some clothes and two movies- Annie and The Parent Trap (with Haley Mills) -two of her mother's faves as a kid!

Christmas night we made our annual pilgrimage to Gpa and Gma Streepers for the Streeper family Christmas. It was especially chaotic this year with 8 great grandchildren running around (well- 5 running around). We had three newbies- Ivy, Grace and Vivian were celebrating their first Christmas this year. Nathan of course made his annual appearance as Santa and his true identity still remains a secret. We were worried Ryker would figure him out this year.

Vivian's Santa picture.

Santa and all the kids.

The weekend after Christmas we celebrated with my side of the family. Dad was immediately put on baby duty.

I wish I could get someone to pay attention to this kid….I swear, nobody likes her! :)

Her gift pile rivaled any of ours!

Teresa and the girls...

Uncle Al and Aunt Nancy were there as Al is awaiting hip replacement surgery. They flew back from Florida for his surgery and then plan to head back once he is able to fly.

Adam was demonstrating his 'baby whisperer' techniques….by scratching the top of Vivi's head like he scratches Romeo's.

Mom, Dad, Nathan, and I all sported 'ugly Christmas sweaters' to spice things up. Dad absolutely detested his and griped about having to wear it all day.