Christmas 2014

In continuing with our catch-up blogs, we wanted to write a bit about our Christmas break in Spokane. Andrea and I thought it would only be the two of us in Spokane with her parents but we were very happy to learn that both Scott and Christine and their families were coming up as well.

We enjoyed walking around downtown and Riverfront park one of the first nights we were there. It was a chilly evening but Spokane does a good job getting dressed up for the holidays so it was fun to see the lights and displays all over town. One of the best holiday memories came when we were walking toward the Davenport hotel and heard Christmas music and bells in the distance coming closer. We looked down a street and saw Santa's sleigh coming down the street with a jolly voice wishing all a merry christmas over the loud speaker. As the sleigh-truck came closer the voice was not only wishing us a merry christmas but also letting us know how much "Santa loves all the Children!" and telling the nieces and nephews to "Come see my dogs!" and "Santa's got candy for the children!" We were thinking what anyone with any sense has when hearing those words - stranger danger. While still warily holding the little kids back from any impending abduction we soon realized that it was the Spokane Fire Department driving up and down the streets handing out candy canes. (Someone may need to let them know that they may want to change up their tactics for any future holiday service to the children of Spokane.) Anyway, it was a hilarious encounter that everyone will remember.

Creeper Santa Clause

Everyone in the back seat was loving the drive to Subway!

The Davenport Hotel is always one of my favorite places to visit during Christmas. The gingerbread house and tree display is pretty cool not to mention the already elegant setting of the fancy hotel. The family spent some time looking at displays, warming up from the cold weather, and sharing our dance moves in the ballroom on the second level.

 (I hate this picture so much because I was trying to hide the candycane in my mouth-Andrea)

Doug and Edie also kept everyone entertained with their new addition of an xbox kinect in their home. We quickly found lots of entertainment not only playing but also watching family members contort their bodies in ridiculous ways while playing. As always we enjoyed several games of hand and foot, euchre, bonanza, settlers, beanboozled (we learned that jelly belly is pretty accurate with their barf, skunk and moldy cheese flavors) and other games. It was a great break and we enjoyed our time with the family.