Christmas in the Northwest

We were blessed this year to be about to fly to the Northwest to spend Christmas with our parents. One of the perks of being on the same coast!

Before we left, we let the kids open their Christmas presents from mom and dad. We didn't want extra baggage on the plane. We got them each a book, stickers, princess temporary tattoos, a prince Naveen doll and dress up clothes. They liked all the presents, but Adelaide was especially enchanted by the new dresses. She was so sad when we couldn't take them to Portland with us.

Minnie Mouse! 

Princess Tiana!

Melinda's parents moved to Vancouver, Washington some years ago in a temporary move that has lasted about 6 years. So, they are pretty close to Oregon City, where Matt grew up. It was nice to be able to see both families for the Christmas holiday.

Eleanor really enjoyed all the unwrapping of things.

She was happy to help anyone that would let her. 

We told everyone to get us presents that would

fit in a carry on. A 3 foot castle will fit, right? Right?
This castle is still in WA for now.

Okay, this one DEFINITELY won't fit in the carry-on. 

Melinda's parents generously gave us a mini-van! 

The castle is in the trunk. As soon as the car shipper can get it together,

we'll all be reunited. Can't wait! 

Melinda and Eve somehow acquired 

sticky paper bows in their hair.

Matt and his sisters, Jessica and Kristin. 

 A rare team Jensen shot.

We are amazed every time we visit Oregon on what Matt's mom has up her sleeve. She's always so active with a dozen projects in the queue. Since we last visited she had completely redone the floors, added a shed the back, put in some nifty chalkboard walls and she's working on her own health coaching business. We took advantage of her newly remodeled living room to take some family photos.

1…2…3...

 CHEESE!

The girls loved making a new friend at Aunt Jessica's apartment.

Now every picture of a rabbit in our storybooks 

is "Bun Bun" to Eleanor. 

Bun Bun was the calmest rabbit, like a living

stuffed animal. Even Adelaide was charmed.

With the cold weather, the kids quickly got stir crazy. So, we bundled them up and took them out. 

Grumpy stuck inside girls.

So cold… so cold... 

 Taking a walk around the neighborhood.

 We also braved a walk around the lake. The kids were

so impressed by all the geese flying over. They "honked"

along with the geese for most of the walk.

It's nice being on the West Coast, so these trips are easier to make. We hope we get to spend lots more times with grandparents and aunts and uncles from here on out!