cabin christmas

Just got back in from a great weekend 'up at the cabin'. We did our annual Christmas gathering with my husband's family. It was super sweet and really a great time.
We got in late on Friday evening to Greagle and got settled in and visited with everyone. We were sad that one of the cousins had come down with a super high fever and wouldn't be joining us but we defenitly had fun all the same.



On Saturday morning it was a big yummy breakfast of make ahead blueberry french toast with blueberry syrup (I felt a little like "buddy" in elf with all that syrup in my day) and also an egg and ham casserole. We cleaned up the kitchen and got dressed then headed outside to play in the snow.



Despite all the snow that Reno has gotten in the past week or so the storm managed to miss them and so it was sort of hard and crunch not so much the white and fluffy variety. That didn't stop us though. There was a snow fort to be made and sledding to be had. Papa built a fire in the fire pit so we could stand around the flames but still watch the action.

Nap time rolled around so in we went for a little hot chocolate and put the babies down for a rest. I walked into town with my sis-in law, her hubby and my dad-in law. There are surprisingly cute stores in 'downtown' and I found a few little stocking stuffer for super reasonable prices. I liked supporting the local businesses and when you find something that you haven't been able to find anywhere else you have to go for it.



Once we were back to the house it was time to start prepping dinner. A few glasses of funny nog were pored and a beer or two were cracked open.



We got our salad going, bread and the shrimp thawed.
Then we realized that the crab had to be cleaned. Not the most pretty job in the world, but at least we all know how to do it! Thanks Grammie for jumping in at the clutch moment. We got those bad boys cleaned and then into the pot then went.


We found a good breaking spot and got all the kids rounded up for gift opening. Nothing better than a bunch of wrapping paper flying and new toys to play with. The KidO made out with a few new books, hand made jammie bottoms, a new helicopter toy, a see'n'say, play dough, and bubbles.

Lots of fun. We broke for the table hoping the kids would be entertained enough with their new gear for the adults to eat. It worked relatively well I must say!

Dinner was served and it was a lovely free for all. And as always there was the question of, "How do you eat your crab? Are you a piler or an eat as you go"??? Do you pull all the meat out and get a good pile going to enjoy or do you get a piece, eat and then get another piece? I am an eat as I go, I like the crab to be still warm.



There was desert and then bed time for the kids. In all honesty I didn't really make it past kid bed time. The house was super warm with the fire they had built and was tuckered out from our walk, snow play and all that rich food. I snuck up to bed and put MrO down and then promptly followed suite. I guess I missed a very lively and fun game of Cranium but trust me a well rested Vanessa is well worth it!


Thanks again Grammie and Grandpa for letting us play up at the cabin! we sure do love you guys.
We got up leisurely this morning and got the house packed up and cleaned. Back home again, home again jiggity jig.


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We have a little neighborhood holiday party to attend this evening so I have some cookie bars in the oven. (I will share the recipe later this week, I am calling them North Pole Bars and they are gooood!) I will be headed down the street with my boys soon. I hope you had as nice of a weekend as I did!