We headed over to the Seattle area this weekend to spend time with Dylan’s mom Maggie, sister Rachel and her two boys Xander and Zane. The purpose of our trip was to celebrate Christmas and the boys’ birthdays since they occur in December and January–a time we don’t travel over the mountain pass. One disastrous winter they closed the roads on both sides of us leaving us stranded. All the hotels (there aren’t many) and shelters filled up immediately. We were left with no choice but to stay the night with strangers. After that we decided that once we had kids we would never travel the mountain pass during winter. And winter in the mountains of Washington lasts from November-March. Going toward the end of March was even a little risky. It was closed for avalanche control the day before we left. But luckily it was clear for our trip over and back.
Our trip happened to fall on St. Patrick’s Day weekend so our celebration was aptly dubbed “Happy St. Christmas” by the kids.
We made our own rules as we went. There were signs posted around the house,
sugar cookies prepared complete with green sprinkles,
candles lit,
a rhyming scavenger hunt prepared by the children for the adults,
green everywhere,
and gifts–gifts in March. Oh, the excitement!
Some of my favorite family experiences are the ones in which we create our own traditions. This inaugural Happy St. Christmas Day was a hit and is sure to be a favorite memory for this fearless foursome made up of cousins. The girls are already looking forward to Happy St. Christmas 2013. The boys said as we walked out the door “Thank you for the Birthday party”. Sweet childhood memories. Isn’t that what life’s all about?
The Fearless Foursome
In the end we all felt a little like the photo below….a little worn out and a little sad to say good-bye. Leaving is always bitter-sweet. It’s so good to go home but so hard to be apart.
Happy St. Christmas friends!
Stacie I love this post! What a great time and you are right – making memories IS what life is all about. What a great reminder!!!! Glad you had safe travels and good times!
Thanks Jodi. It was so fun. The kids get along so well–it’s always a good time when they get together.
This is a great idea and so fun for kids of all ages! I, for one, would LOVE to have Christmas more than once a year!
Just look at those three blonde haired kids! They could all be mine. Kendall and Xander are just 9 months apart. I used to babysit Xander when I was pregnant with Taylor. So I had a 29 month old, a 20 month old and a huge, pregnant belly. I used to get the craziest looks at the park.
And then along came Zane. The only brown haired kid in the bunch.
Thank you for coming over, the conversations, the laughter, taking the beautiful pictures and most of the new wonderful memories! I love you guys so much….MUAH!!!!