Christmas Break

We had such a fantastic Christmas break! We got to see so much family, and had Tim home with us for 12 whole days!! Here are just a few highlights…

Christmas with the Whiddens

Vanderhoof, B.C.

We were thrilled to spend most of our holidays in beloved Vanderhoof with quite a big Whidden crew! It was awesome to see everyone who could come, and spend some quality time in Vanderhoof! We hadn't been there in 2.5 years, so it was time for another visit! Our activities included the classic gingerbread house building, snowmobiling, card and board games, lots of visiting and eating great food! Oh, and don't forget hitting up all of the classic v-hoof spots, including seeing the Hobbit in the Theatre and eating Tim's favourite Chinese food! 

Our family on Christmas Eve

My mom made us matching PJs with sock monkeys on them. It turned into our theme of the year - all about baby Renne, our little sock monkey (we also dressed up as sock monkeys for Halloween). My favourite is that she even has a matching hair bow! Hehe. I love this tradition!

Christmas morning! 

Opening her very first stocking!! Nana sure spoiled us!

I just love them

Daddy, are those presents all for me??

Renni and Nana

All the Whidden cousins! Well, those who were there of course!

(Of course Renne's not looking)

There, now she's looking, but the pic is fuzzy…I just can't win!

This was my favourite part of our entire trip - watching Renne with her cousins! She just loves each of them, and watches everything they do! You could just see the awe in her face when they'd show her something, and it was so precious to watch her eyes follow them around the room, and giggle when they smiled at her. I grew up so close to my cousins, they were my best friends, and I adore watching Renne with hers. 

I love tired baby Christmas morning faces

Snow Play in the 'hoof!

Our snowman is probably taller than your snowman…just a guess.  

I have never seen such dedication and focus in building a snowman in my life! These crazy brothers spent hours outside rolling massive snowballs to create this guy. Tim kept using his neck and head to roll them, and not surprisingly had a sore neck for a day or so! Get these guys going on a project, and they always see it to the end. We even had a few people drive by and honk at our epic snowman! My favourite part is his hair - made from an old decaying sunflower stem! Haha, sure does the trick though eh? good times.

Weeeee!

Christmas Day Snowmobiling!

We tied a sled to the back of the snow mobile, and rode around for a few hours. It was a blast

Hold on, Papa's driving!! :0 ;)

 Playing together in Vanderhoof

Renne kept making this silly face whenever I got the camera out. It was like a squinty-blink smile, so she could avoid the flash of the camera. Haha! 

Renne and Kaysa

haha what a face!

Renne loved playing with her cousins who were so patient and sweet with her! Pretty sure she already idolizes this girl!

Mommy, can this girl please come home with me? 

With Ryker, Kaysa and Airlyn

I wish i had more pictures will all of the cousins!! I need to be better at remembering to take pictures! 

 A few pics in her Christmas Day Outfit!

Yes, that hair is for real. And no, I don't have jell for it, but I've been told I should consider getting some. I kinda like it au naturel. What do you think?

Christmas with the Lows

Coaldale, AB

 

Grandpa and Renne trying on her new fancy jacket!

I love this expression!

My little chia pet!

One very loved girl! She has so many Aunties who adore her, and spoil her!!

Not really sure about present opening…"Wait, so after a month of No no no, you're telling me it's ok to rip these to shreds now??"

She loves her new dolly from Grandma

New Years Day Party!

New Years Eve was pretty quiet for us! We had a nice relaxing night in with my parents. Tim was sick, so it was just what we needed. My parents invited everyone over for a New Years Day party which was so much fun! We watched football, played Fox and Geese, ate yummy food, played bored games, played sports at the church gym, and visited all night! 

Here is a picture of Renne with my Aunt Patti who made this adorable knitted hat for her! She is so lucky to have such a talented Great Aunt who makes things for her!

Renne and her second cousin Laura trying to share toys. Renne isn't the best at that yet. We are working on sharing...

Renni girl and Grandma

With cousin Jonny!

It didn't take her long at all to warm up to this guy! They were wrestling and making faces at each other in record time. 

 Matching Sister Date!

My sisters, my parents and Renne and I were planning to go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming after New Years to do some snowboarding, but due to some sickness, we had to postpone our trip, and Renne and I ended up staying behind in the end. So my sisters and I made the most of our day, and decided to go see Frozen at the theatre. We braided our hair, and wore matching Lulu Lemon outfits and patagonia puff coats! We can't help ourselves sometimes…it's just a sister thing!

Haha we are goofs.

Well, that's all for now. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best in the New Year ahead! Renne's first Christmas was definitely a success!