"What's an iPhone mini? Am I missing something? Am I behind on the times?"

Welcome back to Crystal Mountain with the Wrights and the Dekosters. Christmas Eve was spent out on the slopes. We headed out in the morning to tackle the mountain for our second day of skiing. 

Lincoln got his lesson-- he blew all of us away when he went down BY HIMSELF and mastered TURNS AND STOPS. Watch out people-- this kid know's what he's doing. Meanwhile, Red was happy to cling on to the back of Daddy's skis to hitch a ride.

After Linoln's lesson with Miss Carolyn we were all more confident that he could come up the mountain with Nick and I with no leash. This kid was officially on his own.

We were back in the lodge for lunch. Powerade, chicken fingers, french fries and all the ketchup you could want-- the boys were in 7th heaven.

We got in a few more afternoon runs before hanging up the skis for the day. R2-D2 owned Crystal Mountain.

Just about the only time you'll see both Lincoln and Redford very calm and very quiet is right after their nap. They'll crawl right into Katie's lap and sit there quite contently until they've completely woken up again.

Christmas Eve night was filled with some Battleship, green bean casserole (my favorite) and It's A Wonderful Life.

Linc went to bed saying, "Don't let Santa in this house!" while Red disagreed, "I want Santa to come sleep in my bed!"

Christmas morning came bright and early with a 3 and 5 year old in the house. After we each got a cup of coffee we started in on the stocking presents from Santa.

Linc couldn't be happier than with all of his new Star Wars cars and legos...

Red is perfectly content with his new flashlight and carabiner...

A specifically requested bracelet for Lincoln...

But Redford's favorite treasures of the day are the christmas tree, his nickel and metal ring. 

"And when we give each other Christmas gifts in His name, let us remember that He has given us the sun and the moon and the stars, and the earth with its forests and mountains and oceans-- and all that lives and moves upon them. He has given us all green things and everything that blossoms and bears fruit and all that we quarrel about and all that we have missused-- and to save us from our foolishness, from all our sins, He came down to earth and gave us Himself." -Sigrid Undset

 Back to the mountain in the afternoon...

The greatest family photo we've ever taken because I believe it is the very first picture we have where BOTH boys are smiling and looking at the camera. It's a Christmas miracle. 

But perhaps my favorite Crystal Mountain Christmas tradition-- pepperoni pizza on Christmas day. 

Merry Christmas everyone!