After dinner we got to each open a couple of the presents from each other. SV was really excited to have most of the presents she got the family opened first. She picked out some fantastic gifts for everyone and we were all thankful. We also had a fire and Christmas music playing on the television which really set the mood nicely. It was a really nice start to this year's holiday.
Our Christmas Eve dinner was a little untraditional but worked well considering the weather. We really enjoyed the various Japanese treats and afterwards were ready to open some packages. Christmas lunch was a bit more traditional and just as tasty. We also opened a few more presents with our ample energy.
This year we went on the ooh ah parade before Christmas and a bit earlier. It worked out really well as we got to see some of the regular decorations and the lights as well. Plus we were there as the sun set and it was really quite spectacular. Of course the highlight of the evening came when MV said she liked the house with Christmas swords aka crosses.
The girls worked on building the gingerbread house again this year. There was a bit of eating along the way as well. This made it more fun though and they ended up having more than enough materials to make a good house. We were all satisfied with the result though.
The girls found the giant bears at Costco and climbed all over them. These were the biggest bears we have see yet. All three girls could cuddle one bear. EV started at the bottom and worked her way up until she was on top of the bear.
SV decided that getting packages from upstairs downstairs was best accomplished via a pulley system. So she and MV built one and then put it to good use. It had a few kinks that needed to be worked out, but eventually they got it sorted.
SV decided she wanted to practice her portrait skills by drawing EV on the white board. EV didn't think it looked like her, but we thought it was quite a good drawing.
We traded kids with the Postles so that they each got to play with the other family. The girls really enjoyed it as everyone got a novel experience. They all did all sorts of stuff including dressing up, going to the shops and going to the park.
SV has been doing drumming lessons for a while now. This time her teacher came out and spoke to TV for a little while, in the meantime the girls entertained themselves. They certainly had fun as they giggled and slid down the barrier.
Hard to believe the school year is already over and the last day of school for 2021 is here. The girls have really grown both physically and mentally. It has been a challenging year but they have both done well through both home schooling and the weird in person teaching due to covid restrictions. Below is a picture from the first day of school and several from the last day.
