After weeks of above zero temperatures, it started snowing on Christmas Eve.
After dinner on Christmas Eve, Neil went out to light up the new-almost-completed new front porch.Snow continues to fall all night.Felix makes his feelings known!The kids requested a Malaysian dessert (kuih ketayap) for Christmas breakfast.After breakfast, everyone met up in the sunroom.We found a puffing train and car on kijiji for Felix’s electric train set that he received on his birthday.Another kijiji find – a Chromebook for Nolan.One of Lara’s requests – a Venus fly trap, now named Snap. Lara made a “Malasien hot chili oil” for me!I do remember that explosion!Lara made some candle holders for Neil and me.Nolan bought Lego for Felix.Felix made a laptop table for Neil – it’s to protect his laptop from spilled drinks.Nolan requested a chef’s coat (LL’s old lab coat).Nolan bought Calico Critters hedgehog babies for Lara. So sweet.Felix grew a bean plant for LL.Lara refurbished a Bajan journal for Felix.Kids received GrandPa gifts!Neil received a short story from Nolan.Kijiji score by Neil – iPhone 8!With the new front porch and other work around the house, Neil’s drill was on it’s last legs, so he got a replacement.MEC has been acquired by a private U.S. investment firm, so Neil bought the some merchandise branded with Mountain Equipment Coop as that name will no longer exist. Everyone got one – the girls got gray ones.Lara put together instructions for a Lego conveyor belt for Felix.Nolan noticed I was always hunting a plate for the tongs, and found one on amazon for $20.He decided to make one instead out of some wood and spray paint we had. Good thinking boy!!Safety vests – they have been riding their bikes later in the evening so these will combine with their bike and spoke lights to ensure they’re visible.Felix created an acrostic poem for us.
All that explained why the kids were so busy on their own and with strategic help from us over the last few weeks! Many thoughtful homemade gifts. After all that, we were ready for lunch!
There were some last minute preparations.Neil was in charge of the satay and peanut sauce.Smells heavenly!I wonder what these will turn out to be?Lara begins the assembly.The satay is completed,as Lara completes her creation. A Pavlova Christmas tree!Dumplings, tree, and sourdough baguettes.A few weeks ago, I had asked everyone what they wanted for Christmas dinner. They started listing all sorts of things, and we ended with All-Day Christmas Nibbles! Fresh peppers and tomatoes, roasted red peppers, dumplings, chicken satay, chocolate covered almonds, Byron Bay chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread, lembas, vanilla cookies, mini omelettes with peppers, popcorn (with and without salt), sausage rolls, Pavlova Christmas tree, and chocolate mousse (not shown).The kids couldn’t wait to dig in.
It was quiet in the afternoon as everyone spent time with their gifts. Lara put together her steampunk clock and demonstrated how the gears worked.
Snow fun at York Mills Valley ParkWe came home to hot chocolate and more grazing at the table.
At dinner, everyone toasted with beer non-alcoholic sparkly juice.
Looked like a wonderful day. Thanks for sharing
Wishing everyone Health and Happiness in the New Year!
The candles for Mom and Dad were also from Felix.