Christmas (with a surprise at the end!)

Since we were away for Thanksgiving, we decided to spend our first Christmas in our house at home. Mom and Harold were planning to spend it with us, but unfortunately Mom required emergency surgery that did not allow them to come (no worries. She's just fine. :) )


We had to go for a much smaller tree than previous years since our living room space is a bit limited, but it turned out to be a great little tree.

Gideon Claus

Decorating the tree (while listening to "A Christmas Carol" then the Amy Grant Christmas album in the background, of course).

Oh, Christmas tree!

No need to "dream" of a white Christmas anymore!
(view from out our front door)

Christmas Eve meal before heading to church: pigs in a blanket, raspberry jello, Risgrynsgrot and Julmust (two traditional Swedish Christmas treats).

Opening gifts: lunch boxes for the kids and new p.j.'s for Mommy!

A "princess dress" from Grandpa Moes

The 1977 Chronicles of Narnia collection. Just what he wanted!

Look and find books from Tante Marijke

Yay! New placemats!

Fishing sets from Uncle Brook and Auntie Tonya

Laser tag!

"What? It's not candy?" (peppermint spatula. Thanks Kinneys!)

A baby doll!

Trying out the gifts

Art easel from Grandma Sara and Harold

'Twas a long, busy night. :)

Although our gift opening was over, we still got one little extra Christmas surprise. We found out we're expecting! Come September, we'll be a family of five, making this grandchild #12 for the Moes', #11 for Dad and Ann and #5 for Mom and Harold.

We hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas, too!