Austin and Julia: Christmas in Oregon 2019

We were fortunate to drive down in great weather for Christmas in Oregon to be with Grandma and Grandpa Lewis and Viv and her kids and the Vances. I feel like Dallin grows up exponentially when he's around his cousins. At Thanksgiving he learned to climb up and down stairs and this time he has picked up saying more and more words. Just this afternoon I was figuring out my bread in the big tub and said, "I guess I'll give it a shot." And he repeated 'shot' right back. He's never done that before unless he's heard the word many times over in a book. Good thing I didn't say a similar word to shot. ;)

We arrived Monday afternoon and he got swept up with kisses from everyone.

Christmas Eve we tried to get outside a little bit but man it's a lot colder in Gresham than it is in Kenmore even though the temperatures are the same. How are we going to do Utah this week? Eek. That evening we went to the Vances to catch the BYU bowl game and eat dinner and do the nativity.

Wednesday was Christmas! Dallin had no idea what was going on. He was just frustrated that there were too many things on the floor to get around. And all he did was eat clementines. Don't mess with him and his oranges. But once he figured out there were cars and blocks involved he was set. He got so many toys and books from cousins and grandparents.

Austin got a projector, a book, some bike pants, and a few games like Codenames. I got all things kitchen which I loved. A garlic mincer, a lemon squeezer, tubs and proofing baskets for artisan bread making. I also got the Temple Symbols book that was written by Austin's cousin, Cami Evans. And I-tunes gift card.

The Vances came over later and we played games for the evening. Thursday, Viv and Mom were so nice to let Austin and I have a little anniversary date. We attended a session at the temple and then on to the Cheesecake Factory. And then the Vances came over for more games.

Friday Austin and I got to see the movie Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (so good!) and then had dinner with the Viv and Mom and Dad and played a game and Austin and I had a great chat with Viv that night. We feel so lucky to live so close to family! And we're grateful we can see more family, this time on the Doutre side and the Johns, when we go for Bree's wedding this week.

The Saturday before we left we had our own Bethlehem feast with roasted cauliflower and green chutney, artisan bread, two types of hummus and an array of fruits and vegetables and nuts.