Merry Christmas

To start off the holidays, our car decided to go into "limp mode" on Aaron's way home from work on Monday.  It runs, but not well.  We made it to all of our celebrations, thankfully, and had a friend look at it when we got back.  Brother Lloyd (the same gentleman that sold us the car) has a scanner, so he was able to tell us exactly what is wrong with it.  But finding a place that won't rip us off during the holidays is going to be difficult, so we're stuck for now.  (Update as of 12/29: Aaron did take it to one place but they told us we'd need to replace to entire transmission for $2400.  While the problem IS in the transmission, we really don't need to replace the whole thing.  So we're having to wait until later this week when a mechanic we trust is back from holiday break.)  Anyway, on to the good stuff.

 

We made it to Aaron's Dad's house on Monday evening.  While waiting for dinner, Savana, Jaden and I decorated gingerbread houses and trains, while Aaron watched "The Christmas Toy".  We found it on DVD earlier in the month and I had to buy it just for the sake of childhood memories.  (Anyone else remember it?  Jim Henson production from 1986 with the toys that come to life.)  Dinner was super casual (but super delicious) nachos, and then we decided to go fancy and have a chocolate fountain for dessert. 

Time for presents!  Aria's first Christmas present was a gift from Grandpa Tim and Wanda.  Three books (including Goodnight Moon), and a little stuffed bunny.  Aria immediately put the bunny in her mouth - which means she likes it.  She got some clothes and other things, including a big fancy backpack so Daddy can carry her when we go on hikes in the summer.

Aria had just woken up from a nap, so she wasn't very excited for presents.

Jaden, Savana, Wanda and Tim.
I gave Wanda a drawing of her two daughters, and she loved it!

Aria's new bunny - yum!

We drove very slowly out to Aaron's Mom's house (about an hour away) to stay the night.  Our morning alarm was Aria, so we got to sleep in a bit (since she was up late after an extra late nap in the car).  Stocking time for everyone!

Aria's stocking was full of toys, along with a sippy cup and spoons.

She loved to grabbing the wrapping paper.

She made out like a bandit - lots of toys, clothes, Eeyore lamp, books,
a new piggy bank, ornaments and a recreation pass to go swimming.

Aaron got one of his childhood games - Home Improvement.
He also got a new favorite - Lords of Waterdeep.
He was very happy, and very surprised with both!

I also got a couple of games - one we played at Fallcon, Takenoko.
And then Aaron REALLY surprised me and found Boggle.
Not just any Boggle, but SUPER BIG Boggle (or I like to call it Epic Boggle).
It's a new 6x6 board!  I love it!!

Besides opening presents, Aria had the most fun playing with Nana-Mae and Ron-Pa.
They sure do love her lots!

The rest of the day was spent playing games, and eating homemade spinach dip in a homemade bread bowl (love it when last minute attempts work out!).  It was a wonderful afternoon.  After the classic turkey dinner, and interesting dessert (ice cream, jello, and sugar cookies), we packed up and drove slowly home.  What a happy holiday!