"i just like to smile, smiling's my favorite"

Christmas with the Dickson's was jam-packed and busy and crowded... but all in a good way. We had an "Elf" themed Christmas. There were decorations like the movie and quotes from the movie all over the house and we did things from the movie and shared our "favorite things". We were there from the 22nd to the 3rd and did so many fun things, and enjoyed such nice weather and events. The only downside was that i was sick pretty much the whole time with a nasty cold (i guess.. lost my voice and everything) but that didn't stop us, so here are all the highlights:

 -Christine and Chris announcing they are having a girl!

-Looked at lights around town, including the Night Before Christmas court and the "Christmas house" (thousands of lights all programmed to Christmas music that you tune your radio to). 

-We went ice skating! I hadn't been ice skating in years so it was really fun. We even got some tiny baby skates for Caitlin and had her try it out.   

-The 26-27th the boys left to go hunting. The girls got returns and exchanges done and watched movies and played games. We went to lunch and also all got our nails done by Christine who got a Shellac nails set for Christmas. the boys were successful on their hunt, Paul got 3 deer himself and they came back with about 170 pounds of meat.. hello deep freeze!

-The 28-29th we switched with the boys and had our own little girl's trip! We headed down to Houston and stayed at the Westin at the Houston Galleria. That night we went to an art studio called "Pinot's Palette" and took a painting class. We all started with a blank canvas and painted along with the teacher and finished with our own personal masterpieces! It was so much fun. We had snacks and drinks and listened to music and had so much fun. Then we went back to the hotel and watched a movie and had pizza. The next day we spent the day shopping around the (HUGE) Galleria. We started with brunch at the Nordstrom Cafe and then shopped to our heart's content. We finished out the day with delicious Italian dinner and cheesecakes from cheesecake factory then drove home. It was so fun to get away together and have a little break from the little ones. The boys did a great job while we were gone (at least we think they did).

-Saw the Mission: Impossible movie and enjoyed it more than i thought i would.

-Rang in the new year with food, mostly family and a few friends, chocolate fountain, games and hot tubbing. We took the babies in first for skinny dipping while it was warming up, but don't worry Paul and Jeff are in fact wearing swimsuits and so were the rest of us when we got in later.

 

-Went on walks to the park and enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather, even got a little warm sometimes.      

-The babies were so cute together. They loved the constant entertainment and they played pretty well together in general. They would give each other "loves" and it was so cute. They each definitely have their own interests and personalities so it was fun to see what they were all into.   

Christmas break is something we look forward to every year and this year was no exception. To be able to get away and spend time with each other and with the rest of our families is so fun and we always make great memories. Thanks Stewart and Lorraine for being willing to host our whole bunch and have great holidays with us.