We had the best Christmas and were very excited to host the Lemon Family and Grandma and Grandpa Cutts. This year, more than once, Chris and I lamented that we wished we were having Christmas with the Lemons again as they were so much fun. Seeing as everyone was sick in our family (except Macy), this last Christmas, it's probably a good thing we didn't have any company.
Anyway, I will try to remember as best I can all the fun activities we got up to!
The Lemon's arrived Friday afternoon Dec 22. That evening we went to the Live Nativity in Spruce Grove. The presentation was wonderful and we were greeted with treats, hot cocoa, and live music inside the church building. This evening showed the Lemon kids just how cold Canada is! You do not leave the house without a winter jacket, mitts, and a toque!
Playing games and getting to know each other. It didn't take long for these cousins to bond!
Saturday morning we went to the Fun Park Trampoline Park. It was a blast. We jumped for an hour, played some of the arcade games, and had an epic battle of laser tag, parents vs kids! Of course parents won!!
Hang on Rachel!
Can you find someone lost in the pit??!
Wiped out!
Sadly most of these pictures are fuzzy, but they show the fun we had.
Saturday afternoon we went to the Alberta Legislature to see some family history and find the pictures of our Great Grandpa James Hansen, MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly).
They have recently opened a new visitors center which had an amazing free video, in 4D, showing the history of Alberta. I highly recommend.
Looks like working in government runs in the family!
Saturday night it finally snowed. It was freezing cold, but we had little snow. It's starting to feel like Christmas!
Sunday morning was Christmas Eve. We enjoyed a shorter church service and came home for a gingerbread house decorating contest! Grandma and Grandpa Cutts also arrived just as we were eating lunch.
Christmas Eve Dinner all around our dining room table. Ham, Funeral Potatoes, buns, broccoli salad, corn, Christmas Crackers, and Nanaimo Bars for dessert!
Frosty delivered matching pajamas to all the kids!
Anxiously awaiting opening gifts Christmas morning. We did the typical Cutts Family morning, reading Luke 2, Grandma playing O Holy Night, family prayer, and opening gifts! Everyone must have been very good in 2017 as we had tons of gifts to open. The Lemon's were so generous to our family and everyone was spoiled. We finished opening gifts and had a delicious brunch, all the usual. The rest of the day was relaxing, visiting with family, playing with new toys, and leftovers for dinner.
Boxing day Grandma and Grandpa Cutts took the Lemon kids shopping. The rest of us waited for Chris and Taylor to finish the longest work out ever. We went to Costco and had poutine. In the afternoon Chris, myself, and Grandma and Grandpa went to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi. In the evening Chris, myself, Jill, and Taylor went to an Escape Room. GTFO. We did the Hiest room and escaped with 4 minutes to spare!!
Wednesday and Thursday were spent at West Edmonton Mall. We bought attraction passes so we could do it all. Wednesday was the Waterpark. A favorite of mine. Macy went on just about every slide, no fear! Thursday we went to Galaxyland and enjoyed the rides. Bowling in the afternoon, a little bit of shopping. We went on the Santa Maria ship, watched the Sea Lion show, saw their little aquarium, and made it home late to enjoy some Boston Pizza.
Friday morning the Lemon's left. We're so glad they came and look forward to spending another Christmas with them again soon!
Grandma and Grandpa stayed another two days and watched the girls while Chris and I escaped to Lake Louise to ski and snowboard. We were back late Saturday night and Grandma and Grandpa left early Sunday morning on New Years Eve. What a way to finish off 2017!!!
