Yuletide

This year we were excited weeks in advance for Christmastime.  Dressing up for pajama day at school really put us in the Christmas spirit.

Another excitement-inducer was giving Kitty her Legends of Zelda present early since we'd be in Idaho and she wouldn't have a chance to play it right away.  That really got her excited.  

And then we found ourselves extremely excited for our trip to Idaho. You should know by now that Christmas at my parent's house is non-negotiable.  We steel ourselves for the long, potentially snowy drive, and we go for it.

It never disappoints.

This year our trip was slightly shorter than I would have liked but we still had a great time.  We did all of the important things like Christmas Eve fondue at my sissy's house.

Complete with cousin time time in the basement.  

We had plenty of opportunities to play in the snow.  (Well, I didn't play in the snow.  You know I don't do that.)

Kitty loved the snow.  She played for hours with her cousins and his friends.  They made an entire game out of mining for snow and ice.  There was a city and a mayor and snow was currency.  I'm telling you...HOURS.

Christmas morning was a flurry of gifts and Caramel French Toast for breakfast. Kitty even made us presents at school.  I loved them.

It was the Christmas of the VR sets.

And like always, the time flew by and we had to make the long trek home, stopping in Pendleton for our annual photo with Sasquatch, of course.

This photo was bittersweet.  We are moving to TN in the coming months and this was our last road trip from Oregon to Idaho for Christmas.  Next year we'll arrive by airplane.

It's funny how life works out.  It is ever changing, full of unexpected shifts, and moments of joy and sadness.  

It makes me especially grateful for the constants like Christmas in Idaho.

Merry Christmas!