Game Night Again

We actually stayed up to midnight on New Years Eve this year. Quite a feWe were so lucky to play more games this holiday season. This time Jo made some very nice hats out of wrapping paper for the Great Dalmuti and the Lesser Peon to wear. For those that have not played THE GREAT DALMUTI, I would definitely recommend it. It has brought us hours of entertainment!

Elefante Blanco

At this family gathering we have a tradition of White Elephant gift exchange. Each year there is a different theme: Yard Sale finds, $5 or less, $10 or less, Dollar Store finds etc. The challenge is to find a worthy gift within the theme. This year we had to bring something we already had at our house. Suprisingly, there were some great gifts! Some highlights included a costco sized box of Ghiradelli brownie mix, slime in a container that makes "interesting" noises, herb garden kit, and a framed picture of the human internal organ system (Dad got this and I am sure has it displayed in his office). As usual we spent most of our time laughing.  The Grandmas and Pepper also received some very nice "real" gifts, and Pepper again loved the paper.  Pepper enjoyed her second first Christmas very much!

WyCanThall Gathering

This year the Wyman Canwell Fackenthall get together was over New Years Weekend. Heather, Ralph, and Allison came from Portland, Kelsey drove all the way from Seattle, and the rest of use came from far, far away (College Place and Walla Walla). As usual, the days were filled with yummy meals thanks to Heather, Allison, Mom, and the Grandmas. Heather also brought her amazing gift of homemade truffles. Every year she puts hours into making them and we spend mere minutes eating them. But what enjoyable minutes those are! White-chocolate-coconut-apricot, dark-chocolate-orange, peanut-butter-chocolate, hazelnut-chocolate, peppermint patties, almond joys, chocolate covered toffee. I can never decide which one is my favorite.

Game Night

It would not be the holidays without a few card games. We put the kids to bed and then enjoyed rousing games of 7-UP and The Great Dalmuty. At one point we got to laughing so hard that my stomach muscles ached. What a fun group of people our family is!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

On Christmas day Pepper and I went a visiting. We started at Grandma D's, where Pepper received a fun musical present. She liked all the sounds and lights, pushing the buttons and "piano keys" as soon as she opened it. Next we stopped by Gumby's house. Pepper had fun playing and jumping on Gumby's lap while we visited. We swung by my parents house for a nap and then finally ended up at Hailey's so that Auntie Jamie could spoil her with some really fun book gifts. My favorite was "Everyone Poops", which is a very educational book that all children should get to experience. By that time Pepper was a little overwhelmed which helped us get some exceptional pictures. What a fun Christmas Day!

Auntie Joy

My sister-in-law Joy is a girl-raising specialist, already successfully nurturing two beautiful little girls well past infant-hood. We have a lot of fun together shopping, playing card games, and chatting about the many similarities between our amazing husbands. I am hoping that some day Peter, Joy and girls move back to the Northwest so that visits happen much more often.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of our loved ones and friends! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Pepper is so lucky to have so much love from all of you! We can't wait for many, many more Christmas' with our little girl.  

At the end of such an action packed evening it was time for a rest. A bottle and an arm over her eyes was just what Pepper needed. "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Pepper and the Presents

Pepper did well this Christmas. She really enjoyed the paper and boxes, but she also received some toys that she seemed to like very much! A little night light doll that plays lullabies, a ball that makes noise that she can chase around, books, and fuzzy pajamas to name a few. She is a very blessed little girl. Thank you to our wonderful family for supplying her with all she needs and more!

Santa Fackenthall

 

Much to the kids delight Grandpa John dressed up like Santa this year. It was so fun watching them as Santa stomped across the porch and appeared in the living room. They were so excited! Isabella and Sebastian had him figured out, but you could tell Gabrielle was not entirely convinced that it was Grandpa in the suit. Santa and his helper handed out some great gifts. Stuffed animals, baby princesses, and a warm down vest for Sebastian. The kids must have been extra good this year!

Pepper's First Christmas

After a yummy lunch and a nice walk, we prepared for the Fackenthall tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve. The older cousins could hardly wait for the fun to begin! Amazingly enough they sat through a couple of pictures first and were quite patient. Pepper was pleasantly oblivious to the Christmas hype. We are looking forward to her getting excited about the festivities but there is something so wonderful about the innocence of this age. She doesn't care about the gifts. She just loves the lights and paper, and the time with the people that love her.

The Rare Photo

Sebastian and Katrina are quite elusive when it comes to photography. Fortunately, once a year on Christmas, they are cooperative for a picture. It always turns out well because despite their dislike of being in front of the camera, they are very photogenic.

Christmas Eve Visit

Grandma and Grandpa are always happy to have a visit from their favorite granddaughter (wonder how long I'll be able to say that now that both my brothers are married, hint hint). They have such a pretty tree, bright packages, and lots of snuggles to give Pepper.

Auntie Jamie

Christmas Eve church service was a fun one for Pepper. She actually stayed awake for Sabbath School and got to hang out with Auntie Jamie during church. She was her usually busy, loud, bouncy self, until she fell asleep.