The first part of our trip was spent at Cathi and Don's in Aldergrove, BC. Nathan was on leave from the Coast Guard and was home for Christmas, which was wonderful, since he wasn't home last year. So, all of our Murphy grandchildren were home, and very excited about the holidays.
Dylan picked us up in Bellingham, and we traveled across the border to Aldergrove. In preparation for our trip, I had done some knitting - something I love to do this time of year. I'd made hats, scarves, and knitted backpacks for Patience, Jordyn and Nick, and we'd filled them with some pre-Christmas goodies. After all, Grandma and Grandpa can't arrive empty handed!
We had lots of fun with the kids as Christmas approached, and the excitement level grew! Cathi and Don got a baby sitter on Wednesday evening, and everyone older than 6 went out to dinner at Katanas restaurant - a great restaurant, where they prepare the food right at your table. It was great fun, and delicious as well. The "littles" stayed at home with a babysitter.
After dinner, Cathi went home to relieve the babysitter and put the kids to bed, and the rest of us went to see the new Narnia movie, which was really good!
Christmas eve was a big day, with lots planned. For one thing, Santa came for a visit! We were upstairs and Cathi was reading to Patience, Jordyn and Nick, when we heard jingle bells, and the door opened, and in came Santa, with his signature "ho, ho, ho"!! Patience was thrilled! Jordyn wasn't too sure about Santa's appearance, and Nick was not happy about it at all! But Patience served Santa some eggnog, Jordyn brought him a cookie, and then he gave each of them a present from his big red bag! Santa got hugs from Patience and Jordyn, but not from Nick, who would not even accept his gift from him. But, after seeing that Santa had brought him a Thomas the Tank engine train, Nick decided that Santa was OK, after all, and got close enough to him to give him a "high five" and smile!
Santa had a busy night ahead of him, so he left, and we all went to the annual Christmas Eve service held at the local ice skating rink! It's a great service, with lots of carolling, and then everyone puts on their ice skates and heads out to the ice. Patience and Jordyn had their own skates and helmets, thanks to their brother Nathan. Nathan also had his own skates and he and Sean had a great time skating with their Mom and sisters. Sadly, Dylan was at work - seems that people like to order pizza on Christmas eve....
Nick was not impressed with this activity, so Lee, Don and I took him home, where we sat in the rocking chair with a cup of eggnog and his favorite Thomas videos. Everyone else got home about 8:30, then it was off to bed so that Santa could come again, and this time fill the stockings, and bring more presents.
Christmas morning, Patience was the first one up. The girls had been instructed the night before on Christmas morning protocol - first of all, don't get up till it's light and second, not to come upstairs without an adult. Jordyn was the last one up, and then we all headed upstairs where Cathi, Don and Nick were just getting up. Santa left lots of great presents, and the kids had a wonderful time, opening and playing with their gifts. Lee and I were pretty spoiled, too, as Cathi, Don, Nathan, Val and Dave gave us a gift certificate for an entire wine-tasting experience in Sonoma County for two days and nights! We can't wait to do that!
Don's parents, Don and Waneta arrived from Merritt with their Christmas gifts, and it was really good to see them. It was a banner Christmas with lots of happy people!
Nick and his very colorful knitted hat!
Patience and her knitted backpack.
Jordyn with her backpack
And Nick!
Dylan, Nathan, Sean, Don and Cathi at Katanas. Aren't they a handsome group?
Sean, Dylan, Grandma and Nathan
All of us, after a fun, relaxing and delicious dinner! Thanks, Dylan, for being the designated driver!
'Twas the night before Christmas.... and the kids listen intently, while we are all listening intently for the sound of jingle bells
Patience giving Santa a big thank you hug
Jordyn gets a gift from Santa
Happy girls!
Nick says: Um.... no thank you! You are scary!
But finding one of his beloved "choo choos" in the gift from Santa gave him courage to get close
Santa and the Murphy's, all except for Dylan
Ice Skating on Christmas Eve. Note Nathan's "Christmas mohawk"
Jordyn and Patience, and outfitted and ready to get out on the ice. The girls have had ice skating lessons, and both of them do really well.
And there goes Patience!
Nathan and Jordyn on the ice
Christmas! Looks like Santa has been here!
And look what he brought for Nick!
Sean, Christmas morning, passing out gifts
Nick and Woody
I think she likes it! Patience got an "Amazing Hamster"!
And Jordyn got one, too!
Just what Nathan needed - Sharks socks!
Dylan and Sean got an EB gift card from Nathan
And Don got Canucks hockey tickets from Nathan!
Waneta's gift from Sean
Nathan, Dylan and Don Sr.
Dylan and Sean, reading the scroll that tells them that the family will be going to the Great Wolf Lodge (a huge indoor water park) for three days and two nights of fun!
Grandpa and Grandma receive a wonderful experience! We can't wait!
This package has everything - even a Limo! How spoiled are WE?
Merry Christmas, everyone!
1 comment:
The Christmas service on ice sounds really cool! Glad everyone had a good holiday.
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