Christmas 2012

This year for Christmas we decided to head to Vancouver, WA with Ryan's mom to visit his brother Gary and his wife Ondalynn. We had such a great time! We got to do all sorts of fun stuff. The first day we were there we made gingerbread houses. (Well, I guess really graham-cracker houses.) 

 

 One of my favorite things we did was Ryan and I rented a car to drive down to Roseburg, Oregon which is where Ryan grew up until he was 11. I LOVED getting to see all his old stopping grounds and hear all the memories that city brought back. I didn't think it was possible for me to know Ryan any better, but I was wrong. I definitely felt like I got a better glimpse into his childhood.

On the way we had to stop at Oregon's stadium... Ryan's a huge fan

Gumby Street right before Roseburg, see it?

Ryan's first house in Roseburg

Ryan's second home in Roseburg

Eating at Abby's Pizza, Ryan's favorite pizza place

Roseburg High

The Vance brothers still have records at the high school

Where Ryan would have played if he hadn't moved

Gumby Street as we are leaving

All the trees were covered in moss. So even though it's winter everything looked green

Downtown Portland

 When we arrived it was super late at night, so all the little kids were asleep already. The next morning Ryan went into the bathroom and could hear little Isaac yelling, "Dad...Dad...Dad..." trying to find Gary. So when Ryan walked out of the bathroom Isaac looked up at him and said, "Dad?.." haha, the poor little guy was so confused why a guy that kinda looked like his dad that he's never seen before is walking out of the bathroom. Unfortunately it was too much so for the next 24 hrs if Ryan even looked his way he would burst into tears. He was so scared of the imposter. The next day Ryan finally got on his good side by doing his favorite thing- wrestling! And the rest of the time he was glued to Ryan's side. It was soo cute to watch!

One night Grandma taught us all how to make her famous bread braids! I was seriously so stoked to learn. Now I can make these beautiful and yummy breads.

 While the girls were baking, the boys were wrestling! Gary is so cute with his boys, tackling them, tickling them, and even starting "sock wars."

Bryson going after Gary with a broom

Then running away

Cuddling with baby Paxton

Haha, Bryson's too cool to really smile

 We played tons of fun games. The kids were so cute and excited to game games with us. Ryan and I brought our Xbox so we could teach them Just Dance! Holy cow that was so much fun.

Had to set up the dominoes after Mexican Train

Dancin it up

I seriously want this Disney game. It was so fun!

 Christmas Eve we had an amazing Christmas feast with the yummiest food! Then we had a Christmas program that the kids put together. They wanted Ryan and I to play Mary & Joseph. hehe.

Sydney made the pumpkin pie all on her own

Mom cooking something yummy as usual

Ondalynn provided the great music

Cute kids singing

 

 Christmas morning was so fun. The kids were so excited which made everything so much more Christmasy (if that's a word.) Here's us opening presents.

On Ryan's lap as usual

Taking pictures of us taking pictures

 It was seriously such a great Christmas. I love getting to spend more time with Ryan's family because it's such a rarity. I have the stinkin cutest nieces and nephews ever. We loved being able to see how Gary and Ondalynn raise their children so we can learn from their examples. They are such amazing parents. Thanks Gary and Ondalynn for letting us come spend Christmas with you!