Christmas Eve at the Shack

Mikko wanted to eat Carrie's Santa Hat

Tuckered out from our long trip North

Damon tried to get some rest after our drive from hell. I told him that he looked like a college student with his beer and ipod in the bunkbed.

The kids made this great Gingerbread House.


Mikko and Daddy in his beaver hat - a Northwoods Staple to your wardrobe.

David trying to sneak some candy during the Gingerbread House construction.

We scattered food for the reindeer.

Greta and David both dumped theirs in one spot.

The kids made a platter of cookies for Santa.

My one request was for Charles to read "The Night Before Christmas".

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We arrived at the Shack at about 5:30am. on Christmas Eve. We had a horrible drive north. We were so happy to have made it safe and sound. We were greeted by Grandpa in a robe and red stocking cap. We could tell he had been pacing the shack for many hours and felt bad to make him worry. The kids were GREAT the whole way though. My "Westfork Literary" selection was a description of our ride, I'll post it someday after Shirley types it up for me.

We spent the day (after taking a nap) playing outside, making Gingerbread Houses, and anticipating Santa's arrival. The kids all went to bed very well so Santa could do his magic work!

Fun in the Christmas Day Snow

David loved crawling around in the snow pretending he was a tractor.

Bobby and Charles blaze the trail down the hill.


Jimmy and Foxy joined in the fun. Poor Foxy had to keep chewing the snow out of her furry paws.

Carrie and Bobby make snow angels.

Big Smiles on David's face.

The aftermath of one of the crashes at the bottom of the hill.

Carrie and Gretzky

Grandpa and Gretzky

Carrie held Mikko on our dray ride. He was so bundled and fell asleep in her arms.

Grandpa takes us on a dray ride through the woods.

The crew on the Dray Ride.

Notice the bike helmet Greta got for Christmas that she wanted to wear all weekend.

David got that crazy race helmet from Grandma and Grandpa and wanted it to wear it too.

You gotta love 3 year olds!

(at one point during the weekend Greta was even wearing her swimsuit - The Shack was so hot from the woodstove that she was probably the most sensible one of us!)

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The kids (and adults) took full advantage of all the snow and went sledding for hours. Grandpa Huntz took us on Dray rides through the woods.

It took nearly 20 minutes each time we went outside to get all the kids bundled up with snowpants, hat, mittens, scarves etc., but was well worth it!

Celebrating at Dave and Mary's - December 23

Mikko bonded with Dusty - first he wanted his beer.

Then he tugged on Dusty's Beard


Then he practiced standing with Dusty.

The famous "Board" game. The girls lost by 1/2 point.

"Girls Rule" was Sophia's quote of the night.

Grandpa trying to steal a bite off David's plate

Dusty and Dave playing with David

Mikko grabs EVERYTHING these days.
Here is playing with Daddy.

Grabbing Mary's Xmas pin.

David and Sophia loved opening presents.

Little Leah and her Daddy.

David starting to get tuckered out in Mandy's lap.

We celebrated Christmas with Dave and Mary on the 23rd. As always, there were fun games to be played and LOTS of food. David and Mikko got a fabulous outdoor playset that they will enjoy for many summers to come. David and Sophia played together very well again. It was a fun filled night again with family.

Santa, We R at the Shack - The Cookies Are There too. PS I've been good (so has my brother). David

We wanted to make sure that Santa knew where to find us tomorrow night:

(notice the awesome blue and yellow Christmas ornament David made at Auntie Carrie's house)

Christmas Crafts at the Fraser's

Making cookies for Santa

Sampling the sprinkles.

David thinks Santa REALLY likes sprinkles.

Glueing ornaments.

Carrie came up with an adorable idea to make a wreath on a canvas out of the each kids hands and feet. Mikko's chubby little feet made the bow.

David's handprints.

Bobby works on the masterpiece.

Greta loves holding Mikko.

We went over to Auntie Carrie's today for crafts and some baking.

She is Super Mom who is so creative and patient. She had all the craft materials ready to go. The kids made adorable ornaments and a gift for Grandma and Grandpa.

Christmas with Damon's Family

Yeah, everyone was going to cut back on gifts this year......

We played a silly game for $5 or less gifts. Here is David dressing up to get his gift.

Ooh la la.

Damon scored some Velveeta. He can't wait to make Cheese on Toast.

Here is Mandy's gift...do you think Corey will steal it from her?

Mikko under the tree.

Only in Minnesota is this considered "Salad"

A little Sperstad present.

Mikko's pjs matched Grandma.

Uncle Bob and Granmda helping to build train tracks.

Carol thought refering to the train track pieces as "male" and "female" was sexist.

Great Uncle Bob

20 minutes after putting David to bed I heard that he wasn't asleep.

I caught him in bed playing with his new truck from Granmda Carol.

Tonight we celebrated Dusty's 30th Birthday and Christmas with Grandma Carol and Uncle Bob.

Lots of great food, fun and gifts for all the kiddies. That is what Christmas is all about!