Tawnia's White Christmas

My sister Tawnia came to visit for Christmas!

She arrived Saturday and we went to a party that evening.

On the way we drove past the lights at Confederation Park.

Sunday we went to see the live nativity at Heritage Park.

Monday was my usual babysitting and we attempted to do some quick shopping.

We got stuck in traffic with a fussy toddler who called Cheetos "chin-ee-toes." 

Tuesday I came down with a horrible cold but still made sugar cookies.

Aaron got off work late so after getting milkshakes at Peter's

and a peak at the lights in downtown Red Deer we made it to Mulhurst at 11:30.

Wednesday was a wonderful Christmas Eve at Nana's house.

We played games and Aaron made chicken "doodle" soup,

but it started with yummy snowman pancakes!

We took a walk down to Pigeon Lake. 

And we saw the best lights of the whole holiday.

(Which is saying something, since we saw a lot of lights!)

This guy has spent $100,000 on lights in the last 10 years.  

What an amazing way to share joy with the community.

Thursday morning was Christmas!

The first thing Aria got was the little magna-doodle that didn't fit in the stocking.

She would have been entirely happy if that was all she had received.

Then came the Strawberry Shortcake figures and Little People princesses.

We had to coax her to actually start opening presents, since there was lots to unwrap.

Once she started, she wouldn't stop and she helped everyone open presents.

Aaron got very creative with his gift wrapping - 

in my stocking was a wrapped box that would usually contain jewelry.

Instead it was a USB drive, with this picture on it:

The large mirror was waiting for me when we got home.

And of course we couldn't go without games -

eight for our family this year, plus a gift card to get more!

Lots of homemade gifts this year!

Two rugs, a stuffed sheep, pocket warmers, a dragonfly tablecloth,

and my favorite: an adorable lamb hat for Aria from Aunt TC.

The happy aftermath!

And happier still, because Tawnia got the white Christmas she was hoping for.

Not only was there snow already on the ground, but it was snowing all day too!

Friday we went to Rimbey to visit Great Grandma and some of Aaron's extended family.

To finish off the day we checked out the Airdrie lights and ate Smashburger.

 Saturday morning started with a delicious breakfast at the Pannenkoek Haus.

We dropped Aria off at Grandpa's and went to the temple.

Back to Grandpa's for food and presents.

Sadly Aria wasn't feeling well, so she unwrapped things throughout the night

to keep her distracted.  At least I got one cute picture to document the evening,

which shows off her cute new sweater.  Yay for new clothes!

Sunday was church and trying to organize the house again.

Monday was our fifth wedding anniversary!

  Tawnia watched Aria saw Aaron and I could go out for dinner.

Steak and prime rib and a walk around the mall.

Tuesday we ran some errands and did some shopping -

had to start spending a gift card I received!  A new sweater and shirt so far.

And in the evening we went to see more lights.

We started by heading south to Spruce Meadows. 

For only using three colors it was pretty impressive.

And for our final set of Christmas lights we went to Zoo Lights.

Thank you Nana and Papa for the tickets for us all! 

Wednesday morning, Aaron did another half day at work 

while Tawnia and I scrambled to get the house clean for company.

Thankfully Aaron didn't have to work late, so he was able to finish his spice blends.

33 containers of cranberry sages, thai chili lime,

saskatoon chipotle, cherry chipotle, and roasted garlic chipotle.

A little late for Christmas, but I know our friends will appreciate them anyway.

We rang in the New Year with friends, playing games.  

There were nine adults, and two little girls (both passed out before 10).  

Games, games, spinach dip, cheese balls, lots of chicken wings, and more games.

Everyone left after 2AM so on Thursday morning we slept in.

Aria was sick (and teething) all week and that was her worst day.

Lots of sleeping, eating leftovers, and of course we played more games.

And were silly. 

Tawnia does look pretty good with the lid to Aria's new tea set on her head.

Finally today, Friday, was Tawnia's last day in Canada.

To make it exciting, five minutes before we were to leave for the airport

we realized Aaron had the car key with him (30 minutes away).

A few phone calls later the Lloyds came to the rescue and drove Tawnia.

It was a quick good-bye and Aria cried.

We loved having her here and look forward to her next visit!

Merry Christmas from the Sebastians