The first time ever....

Since we've been married, I believe this is the first year we've ever been just by ourselves on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. My parents were planning on joining us, but with the big snow storm we got, they decided to stay safe and at home. We woke up on Christmas Eve expecting to be completely snowed in, however, our amazing neighbors plowed out our driveway. We decided to "pretend" we were still snowed in. We had pj day and stayed in our pj's all day long. It was amazingly relaxing. We played games and hung out and just loved being together! We thought about playing outside and building a huge fort, but decided we'd just stay in and maybe do that in the next couple of days...however, it got too cold and the snow stopped sticking together. So we missed our opportunity, but sure enjoyed many other great memories! We couldn't remember a time that we've been that lazy! It was wonderful.

My favorite: a free space mission and free 100 kisses :)

Acker Christmas

Every year we have an annual Christmas with our friends the Ackers. This year, Lynn, had just had surgery, so we brought them a ham Christmas dinner with cheesy potatoes and green bean casserole per request. We had a lovely time and were so very thankful we were able to fit it in with both of our schedules!

Jordan sporting his new presents!

Sydney sporting her new presents

Ice Skating

The lake that Arlen and Debbie lived on froze very smooth this year, so Arlen plowed us a great little rink. Sydney was SOOOO excited. We had to turn back home to get our skates (we were only about 2 miles away). Both kids did so much better this year than last year. Last year Jordan did alright, but Sydney could barely stand!!! This year she was skating, standing, turning and Jordan was flying around the rink. We went skating both days we were there and they improved both days. Pete also loved running around the ice. He'd chase the kids and us around and around. Eventually his poor little paws got cold and he needed to be carried, but he had fun for awhile!

So, I'm not sure Sydney will be a hockey player since she thought it was so much better to use as a cane :)

Exhausted from skating!

The Norwood Family Christmas

Arlen and Debbie's "Cabin"

The weekend before Christmas, we got to go up to Duluth and enjoy a weekend with Arlie's family. We have lots of great family traditions and love that we can count on them and do them every year! We had a great time as always. We love our family time and are so thankful for them!

Dayton, Bjorn, Sydney & Jordan
The four Norwood cousins - one on the way :)

We always have homemade ice cream.

Jordan getting a back rub from Uncle Joe.

Dayton and Uncle Arlie hanging out!

Playing outside with the "toys"

Hungry, Hungry Hippos!!

Scott doing what he does best

Reading the Christmas Story before presents being opened

Every year we get to hunt for the pickle for an extra present :)
Arlie won this year!

Video of Jordan's solo

My dad was so kind and made a video of Jordan's solo so everyone could enjoy! Thanks DAD!

Tae Kwon Do Test

Sydney and Arlie both tested for their next belt or stripe (Arlie is now a purple stripe belt and Sydney is white with THREE orange stripes). They both passed and did great. Sydney was really nervous. Instead of her normal 1 instructor there were 3 extra black belts watching and helping. She didn't like that much. She typically does everything right and is one of the best in her class, but forgot some of the stuff she always knows and does right. Luckily they are nice at that age and help her out. She had a tough time breaking the board this time and gave up doing it in front of the class. She did break it after class which earned her the 3rd orange strip. Next for her is her orange belt and for Arlie his brown belt! Way to go guys! :)