We have two days left in the United States before our trek across the ocean. Paul’s one request when we planned our timing to leave was that we would be able to be with family for at least one holiday. His wish was fulfilled with abundance! We traveled to Minnesota last weekend to celebrate Nedrud Thanksgiving, and squished in Christmas traditions with Nana and Papa. This last week we celebrated Lexen Christmas in Wisconsin.

Noah and Natalie hung the Christmas ornaments on the tree with Grandma Jane. We enjoyed hearing the stories about each ornament. So many were handmade, given from special places, or to mark special occasions. Some ornaments came with funny stories, and all were unique and beautiful.

Yesterday we made lots of cut-out cookies, and lots of mess. There are no photos of the decorations because it would be hard to capture it all in one photo, as the frosting and sprinkles were spread through multiple rooms. Fun with Grandma made it all worth it. Then again, she did all of the dishes, so it’s easy for us to say! We are glad to know that the rest of the extended Lexen family will enjoy the cookies for the rest of the holiday season.

Christmas songs are playing on the record player, and decorations around the house will keep us in the holiday spirit until we leave in two more days. What a beautiful time of memory-making that we will look back at for years to come.