Thanksgiving was in Ohio this year with Steve's side of the family. We had a great time! We stopped halfway at Matt and Julie's, and got to squeeze in some extra time with them. The week was filled with Grandma and Grandpa memories, cousin bonding, and lots of cookies! On Wednesday, we celebrated our Early Christmas, and the girls were so excited!
One of Steve's favorite moments was taking the girls on a walk through the back woods that he used to traipse through as a kid. He loves those woods, and loved getting to take the girls back to the places where he played.
Best idea ever...I ran to the Dollar Tree the night before we left and bought about 30 small gifts: one gift for each girl for each hour we were on the road (and a few thrown in for Henry). Then, Steve and I wrapped them and labeled them for what hour they should be opened. This step took a little bit of time, but it helped because we could make sure that they didn't open two "quiet" gifts in a row, or two pieces of candy. The girls loved it! (duh!) The downside is that it's hard not to make your children a little present-obsessed when they know they're getting 12 of them, but it helped make the trip much more enjoyable!
At Matt and Julie's, Henry got a little bonding time with Braden.
Scribbling on Aunt Julie's chalkboard wall!
Dressing up at Kraynak's, the best Christmas store ever! There are dozens of Christmas trees decorated in different styles, and the girls had a blast!
Grandma setting up all of the presents
On the way home from church on Sunday, it snowed!
It wasn't exactly a blizzard, but the girls were really excited about catching snowflakes with their tongues!
Personal space means nothing when older cousins have video games!
Bella checking out her Christmas presents
Dressed head-to-toe as Princess Elsa...she couldn't be happier!
Henry got a bunch of Steve's trucks...he was very impressed!
Everybody checking out their loot.
Grandpa and Henry, getting some snuggle time in.
I got to take a break with this little guy. Look how cute he is!
Playing in their Christmas PJ's and reindeer antlers
Matching Christmas PJ's are the best!
A little bit of snuggle time with Great-Grandma Wires and Great-Grandma Ferguson
Heading out to the woods with the girls and Braden
I love holding this little girl's hand!
Of course, Bella's riding the tree like a horse!
Evelyn loved throwing leaves into the water. Or at least, close to the water.
That's a perfect family picture right there!
We ended our hike with playtime on the swingset. By the time we were done, both girls had fallen or bumped heads, and they were ready to go inside.
Back in her Elsa gear, sitting with Maddie, and playing a game. The outdoors are rough!
The kids table for our Thanksgiving feast.
The grown-up's table
The girls were still struggling with coughs and colds when we were there, so we gave them some strong cough medicine each night. I loved the pictures we took of them sleeping on top of each other! Adorable and hilarious at the same time!
Ohio wouldn't be complete with taking family pictures. Luckily, we had taken family pictures not too long ago, so we didn't feel pressure to dress or pose perfectly.
Grandma and Grandpa with all the kids! And yay, Henry cooperated!
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