Welcome to Alaska: Dec. 16-17, 2016

This year we went back to Alaska to visit my family for Christmas break. I was so excited to have my kids experience a "white Christmas." I was praying that the weather would cooperate and that we would have LOTS of beautiful snow, just not when we were trying to fly in or out of the state!

I was studying the weather report the weeks leading up to our trip, and luckily it looked like things were in our favor. We excitedly went thrift shopping for cold weather clothes and packed our bags!

We left Texas December 16 with a return flight for new years eve, December 31, just in time for Lucy to start school Monday January 2nd.

First up: Anchorage Airport!

We made it! The welcoming committee was excited to see us.

Second up: Brunch at my cousin Natalie's house!

Adorable line up of second cousins. Or once removed. Or something.
Lucy (6), C (6), E (4), Clara (3), Henry (1), O (1).

Us hungry pregnant women enjoying our second brunch a few hours later. Gotta feed those growing babies!

 

Lucy's snow dreams come true!

Henry enjoying the swing

Amazing view from their back yard. 

Mini snowman making

Adorable-barely-noticeably-pregnant Natalie. <3

Time to relax and watch Rudolph. 

A perfect start to our Alaskan Christmas vacation! Oh how I wish more family lived closer! <3

Texas Christmas 2016

In anticipation of being in Alaska for Christmas break, we decided to celebrate with my in-laws and the kids before leaving so we wouldn't have to bring presents for them to open to Alaska.


We set up the tree and a few Christmas decorations to enjoy for the few weeks before heading out.

Notice that the tree got lights, but I never got around to putting any other decorations on it knowing it wouldn't be up for long.

Starting Christmas off right with a visit to Bass Pro Shops!

"Christmas Eve"

Excited and ready to go downstairs!

My exciting haul.
Note: Compression socks recommended by my eye Dr. to help prevent future blood clots while flying to AK.
Not pictured: the chalk board eraser that made all my Christmas wishes come true. Thanks, Zach! <3

Lucy with her spoils.

Clara's loot.

Henry's bounty.

Also not shown: All the winter clothes and gear purchased for our Alaska trip.

 Apparently I never took a picture of Zach, Kay, or Greg's gifts. Oh well.


Merry Fake Christmas!