Christmas 2011

So better late than never, right??

Christmas Eve Ray was able to get off work, and his brother Luke came down to Eugene to visit for a day and enjoy the drive up to Portland with us. It was a treat to spend just a little extra time with Luke, as we rarely get to see him...

Christmas morning we woke and enjoyed Grandpa's traditional Huevos Rancheros for breakfast...

...then off the guys set out to do some target practice (they let me tag along:))...

Later that afternoon we went over to Grandma's house for our first annual Mexican themed Christmas dinner!! We had so much fun, and the food was delicious!

Grandma Val as delightful as ever...

Ben and Sam came disguised as Spider Man...

Can't miss out on the mistletoe!

The Harris family attempts a family photo- cute!

Grandma Val had made pinatas for our celebration, so the kids took a swing or two...

Aunt Kathy with granddaughter Gracie...

After Grandma's house, we returned back to Big Foot City (Ray's folks house) to have a quiet celebration there. We stayed up admiring gifts and talking... and the kiddos fell asleep in our arms...

Lots of Big Feet in this house!!

The next morning, per tradition, Aunt Laurie had all of the "cousins" over to her house for a brunch. We ALWAYS look forward to sharing this time with her, and ALWAYS leave very full!!

What a fun and memorable year. I sure am blessed to be a part of this family!!

Grandma and Grandpa's visit!

We were the lucky recipients of a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Reichner just prior to Christmas. They were gracious enough to stop through on their way down South, and besides making my day, made two little people very happy. We enjoyed a breakfast together, and shared some hugs. I wish we could have captured a bit more of your time, you two, but know that your visit meant the world. Best gift ever!! Thank you...

Sol and Soph also opened their first-ever gifts! Imagine that, Sol and Soph- you actually get to RIP the paper!!!

We love you two!!

...And more apples!

The warm Fall and Winter has certainly been good for one thing- we are still picking HEAPS of apples in December! We had the immense privilege of gleaning the apples from Deterings Orchard, of which was an easy task. The trees were so full, it took us just a short time in the sweet winter sun to fill up the entire back of our van.

Days later, Ray had only a few requests for his 28th birthday: to be with family and to juice the apples. We made a day of it, waking early to feed Papa a full breakfast and inviting friends over to spend the day with us, making energy bars in the house and juicing the apples just outside. 35+ gallons to show for these winter beauties!!

Derek made his outstanding- and incredibly addicting- monkey bread...

Later that night, I surprised Ray by inviting some of his dearest friends over for a big dinner, then heading out to our favorite pub for some live bluegrass and conversation. What a day, Ray! You make it easy to celebrate YOU. I love you with all my heart!!