Christmas in Portland...

It's always a bit of a downer to be home after being in Portland. This time was unique, because the whole Herron family was 'snowed in' together for 5 days straight! It was so much fun! So, now being at home in Denver....seems even more quiet. It was a blessing in disguise being snowed in...we had such a wonderful time being together! We decorated the tree/house, ate and Kristin and Gabe taught us a new card game.

Thomas sent me home from Ireland with traditional Christmas crackers---these were 'cracked' right before we ate Christmas Dinner and each contained a prize and a hat. Here is the Herron Family wearing the 'hats' that came in the Christmas Crackers.

After Christmas Dinner, the tradition continues and each 'kid' gets a new pair of Pajamas. This year was no different and the 'girls' and the 'boys' each got a new pair of Christmas Pajamas.

Most of our crazy traditions are kept alive by our mom, and provide her with lots of extra work over the Holidays. We have always loved traditions, and often refuse to change things even the slightest bit. This year, my mom asked us if we wanted to eliminate any of our traditions...it was an unanimous 'no'...unless she wanted to eliminate the infamous picture in our new PJ's that occurs on Christmas morning at the top of the stairs. I think that was the only tradition she for sure WANTED to keep--so, our suggestion to eliminate the picture was voted down.

Here is Grant being a goofball on Christmas Eve.

When Grant was young and Gabe and I were still 'believing in Santa'--we were perfectly fine getting up whenever Grant decided it was time to rise! However, having your dad dressed in a Santa hat/shirt, singing and ringing bells at 7 a.m., was a bit too much to handle this year. My mom had to keep him occupied until 7, he originally wanted to get us up at 6 a.m.!! Oh the traditions....

Grant is the proud owner of an emergency survival kit, as part of his Christmas gifts. With all of the survival items he got, he threatened to leave several times to 'survive' in the outdoors.

Santa finally calms down after the big WAKE UP Call!

Gabe and Kristin enjoying their new mittens that mom knitted them!

After some of the snow started to melt, I made it out to see a few of my friends. Stacey hosted our annual "OE" (Ornament Exchange), in her beautiful new home! It was great to see them and catch up for hours! I also attended the annual high school brunch and caught up with a few other friends.