A Canadian Christmas

The day before Christmas Eve, we made our way to the airport.   Actually, the day before that we headed to a hotel.  The weather wasn't looking the greatest and our flight was scheduled for early in the morning.   Believe it or not we made it our with virtually no delays... until we got to Minneapolis.   Our flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems... not even weather.   Long story short, we made it to our destination an hour later than we were originally supposed to, but boy was it "fun" getting there.   Fortunately, Tony packed his patience that day... not sure I did and he got us on another flight... after running from one end of the airport to the other with kids in tow!   So we arrived safe and sound... our luggage... that's another story.   Thanks to the generosity of friends and Christmas gifts from Nana and Papa the boys were clothed for the 4 days before our luggage arrived, Tony did some shopping and me?  Wash and wear, wash and wear, wash and wear....    We had a great time though, it went too fast as always.   Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate (warm temps and rain) so we didn't get any skiing in for the boys this year.

Passing the time at the airport, watching movies.

Papa helping the boys conquer the mountain of snow out front.

Do we look like we're having fun?

Santa's helpers on Christmas Eve.  Dining on traditional Chinese food after Mass.

Sean reading his letter for Santa and leaving milk, Nutri Grain bar and peanut butter crackers.

Sean and Mommy dancing on Christmas Eve.  Ryan was dancing with Nana, but appears to have stopped for a refreshment!

Sean and Nana's turn

Christmas morning!  Sean was excited to show Ryan that not only did they leave a note for Santa, but Santa left a note for them!

Diving into stockings

Dr. Sean is on the case!  This was actually Ryan's gift, but share and share alike... right?

Dinner with the cousins -  Christine and Julianne

Ryan in his "party hat" from the Christmas crackers

Tony, Sue, Ken, Angelo, Rosemary and Nana

More outdoor fun.   The boys loved this fort that Papa worked so hard to build.   Unfortunately, it would be destroyed by rain in a day or two.   Sean was excited to make snow angels too!

Tobogganing provided hours of entertainment.  Poor Papa had to lug the toboggan up the hill every time though!

Getting some help on the DS from Stephen and Megan

Mmmm Papa, I DO enjoy Ferraro Rocher!

Sunday dinner at Chris and Pete's... who knew Pete did dishes?

The gangs all here... almost.   Jane and Art joined us later.  Chris, Melissa and baby Matthew had company at their house, and Matthew wasn't feeling well.   We were sorry to have missed the chance to meet him in person.

Sean was watching the Sound of Music with the boys... yes you read that right.  Uncle Pete brought up his guitar to show him how it works.

Ryan gave skating another try.   He was so proud to finally have his own helmet.  Unfortunately, the skates are still a little big.  Maybe next year.   He still tells us "Papa took me skating.  It hard for me!"   

Sean stepped in with some advice too.