Christmas

Mom and Dad flew in the Friday before Christmas. They stayed at the Grand Sierra Hotel/Casino, which is not too far from where we live. We had a good time visiting (so weird), but things didn't turn out like we planned. We had been having some snowy weather before and up through Christmas so there were evenings that we wanted to hang out, but didn't want to risk driving on possibly icy roads. We didn't do anything super spectacular or have anything planned as far as sight seeing. We are still sight seeing ourselves.

On Friday, Mom and Dad came straight from the airport to our house and we hung out for a while. We ran out to do a little shopping and grab lunch while Eddie was at work. Saturday Dad, Eddie and I went to see the Hobbit while Mom got some one-on-one Nate time. She'll have to post some pictures about their fun in the snow. Sunday we took Nate to the Discovery Museum (again Mom has the pictures) while Grandpa rested at the hotel since he wasn't feeling well. Something was going around and he got the worst of it while he was here. Big bummer for all of us.

 Monday was Christmas Eve. We had our somewhat traditional Chinese food for dinner at PF Changs. It was so yummy (love their large gluten free menu). After we dropped Mom off at the hotel we drove around to look at some Christmas lights that we found listed online. I have some pictures and videos on the iPad so maybe I'll post them later. It was pretty awesome and worth the 30 minute drive there and back. Then we put out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer and Nate went off to bed. Santa came and Eddie and I watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, one of our traditions.


On Christmas Day we were able to hold Nate off from opening presents with a Christmas episode of Jake and the Neverland Pirates and breakfast until Mom and Dad arrived. Once Nate opened that first present it was all we could do to get him to slow down long enough to make sure he was only opening his presents and so we could see what he got. We only got a few pictures because we have a very bratty critter at our house that barks like a maniac if you try to take any pictures.

Nate made out pretty well this year. He got more trains and tracks to go with some from his birthday so he has quite a large set up on the floor now. Trying to figure out the best way to set it up was fun for the adults. No directions. Just creativity. He also got a large dump truck that he can ride on or just use as a dump truck (probably the most played with toy this year). He got some cute clothes (boring for him, good for us), some Jake toys, a firefly that projects stars onto his ceiling and more books. He loved everything. We got some much needed and appreciated gifts too, but Christmas is really about the kids. I was just as excited to see Nate open his presents as he was to open them.

We made a quick, but yummy early dinner before Mom and Dad had to leave for the airport. I'm so glad they were able to visit, but it wasn't enough time. We'll have to see when we can make it down to Vegas.