A Very Merry Christmas

Since we have no little children at the Nordstrom household, we thought it would be best to sleep in, getting ready for church, come home THEN open our Christmas presents. The boys were NOT happy  about this idea, but the women over-ruled. :)

We all got ready for 10am church and took Christmas pictures in front of the fireplace hearth.

Nordstrom Family

FINALLY around 11:45am we started opening presents.

 In the middle of opening presents, I received an unexpected call from my sister WHITNEY! She is serving a mission in New York City in the Bronx. I got to talk to her for a few minutes. It was soooo good to hear from her.

 A few fun things Tanner received.... 

A camo truck seat cover from Mrs. Clause (me)

A graduation gift from his parents...

A very exciting gift: a chain saw! 

Santa gave Dad a gift he is VERY excited about!

Look at that after-Christmas mess. It looks like a tornado came through here...

What a nice Christmas! We find ourselves extremely blessed. Although I miss being with my family for the holiday, I am so fortunate to have such wonderful in-laws. 

PREPARE for Christmas Festivities

Tanner & I spent Christmas in California with his family this year! We packed the car and piled in (the dog included) and made the 10 hour drive from Provo to Redding, CA. A few days after arriving, as part of a long-standing tradition, the entire Nordstrom family drove to the beautiful Lassen National Park and cut down a Christmas tree! 

Dad & Laura stringing the lights for the tree!

There were lots of wii competitions!

Travis & Heather

 Another tradition is the girls having a "baking night". We all pick our favorite holiday treat to bake and add to Christmas plates to deliver to neighbors and friends. I found a recipe for Oreos and marshmellows (same recipe as rice crispy treats but replace the rice crispy cereal with crushed oreos.) It was not my favorite treat I've made but some others seemed to like it ok. :)

Sample as you go...

"Gross. what is that?"

The finished product!

 Christmas Eve morning, Dad makes a Danish breakfast called Aebleskivers. YUMMY

 After eating WAY too much from our delicious Christmas Eve Danish dinner, dessert is rhys-alamon (rice pudding).

We had a little mis-hap with the rice pudding.
Just bring in the dogs to help clean it up

 Part of the Danish dessert is when the Dane's prepare the rice pudding, ONE single almond is added, then the dessert is divided up and served. Each person is to eat to the bottom of their bowl and the person who finds the almond wins a little prize. Well.... I WON! I found the almond and my prize was a little Christmas bear!

Me & Heather