TRADITION!

Traditiiiiion (get it? the song from Fiddler On The Roof?). Well, the Nichols' participated in a Raabe family tradition by going out to McDonalds for breakfast on Christmas Eve. This started when Michelle was a kid, and her mom started working part-time, so Mom took everyone out for breakfast as a special treat. We've kept the tradition going, and this year was no execption. The boys were tickled yesterday when a letter arrived addressed to them, from Nanni and Bubba, and included CASH, telling them to take Mom and Dad out for breakfast. They were happy to oblige!




Wesley enjoyed talking to Nanni on the phone. She was heading out to McDonalds in Eugene at the same time!


Cameron and Nanni had a nice chat about Christmas. They both can't wait!

I noticed that the parents in these photos look kinda worn out, don't you think? Maybe because, according to Will, CHRISTMAS EVE IS THE LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR, at least it is if you have grade school-age children! The anticipation is killing them (well, actually, they are threatening to kill each other too), but we're trying to keep them busy with acceptable activities. We stopped at Fred Meyer to buy carrots for the reindeer, whereupon Mom discovered that Dryers, god bless them, makes EGG NOG ICE CREAM! Had to pick up a small container. Then we had to spend a little time in the LEGO and Gameboy sections, just to keep everybody happy. Wesley was somewhat disgusted when Mom refused to "buy us a little present," noting that there is a WHOLE TREE FULL of presents at home!

Now we're home and it seems like a good time to bake some cookies so that Santa has something to eat tonight. Yes, Mom's been a slacker this season (actually she's been adjusting to working again), so we haven't baked cookies yet! Plus we need to make some almond roca to take to the family dinner tomorrow in Hermiston. Baking usually keeps everybody happy for a little while. Watch here for more pictures later!