white Christmas

Another holiday spent away from LA, another set of new traditions being made, and a truly WHITE Christmas made for an eventful Thibault Christmas.  

As a kid growing up in Louisiana, you always dream about a white Christmas.  You actually just dream of any day being white with snow.  When it began snowing on Christmas Eve, I felt like a 6 year old.  We may have been missing Christmas at Gammies and drinking egg nog with the fam, but we sure didn't miss wearing t-shirts and shorts on Xmas.  I felt so giddy walking out of mass and finding it snowing.  I wish everyone would get the opportunity to enjoy a white Christmas.  It really makes you feel as though you are a part of something so magical.  Cheesy?  Yes, I know!

Snow continued to fall as we headed to Christmas Eve Mass. Looking like we may get this White Christmas after all!

Delighted!

Tyler remembered me saying that I loved opening gifts and that what was inside didn't matter at all.  Background info: "Santa" always gave us tons of little items to open so we opened gifts for a while.  Gifts like bobby pins, earrings, and cool markers.  Now back to present time....the hubby decided to wrap random objects found around the house...a used candle, a previously worn sock, and coal.  Lots of coal.  Coal wrapped in several boxes.  Not only did he wrap items I already owned, but he wrapped them so well I spent literally 10 minutes unwrapping the gift.  He used an entire roll of tape on one present.  It just kept going around and around the box.  What girl wants to spend 10 minutes unwrapping a gift to find it's her candle that is already burned down???  Funny?  Of course.  Do I expect this to become a tradition?  Absolutely NOT!  

He did give me real gifts as well, but seriously...3 boxes filled with coal???  

Go Pros, Nintendos, Matching PJ's, Oh MY!

I have the best twinkie in the world!

Another delectable spread for another holiday dinner!

Whoever invented facetime is an angel! 

 Playing in the snow with the puppies and friends on Christmas day was so fun.  Riding on a sled pulled by a 4-wheeler was even more fun.  If only Ty would have taken a picture of me riding.  I'm sure my grin would have been hilarious.  Or, the amount of snow covering my face.  

 Below are a few more wintery wonderland pictures.  I just can't help myself.  

 

Maggie Comes to Play--Part 2

Maggie and Lance spent a little less than 5 days with us in SoDak.  I had to work, but that didn't stop us from playing at night.  During the 2nd half of their trip we traveled to Deadwood, played at Flags and Wheels, left our mark in Art Alley, shot potato guns, and made it to Hill City. 

It was quite difficult to find fun things to do since every place in South Dakota was closed due to the state's off season.  However, Deadwood never disappoints.  We watched a Christmas musical and spent some time at Saloon No. 10...which is a part of our passport!  Yay, two birds with one stone!

A Deadwood Christmas Show

Saloon No. 10!

Flags and Wheels lovely hairnets.  If only I could have taken a picture of Maggie driving like a grandma.

Flags and Wheels is such a stress reliever.  Racing around a track can be exhilarating.  I thought I was slow.  Maggie was insanely slow.  It was quite funny until I plowed into the back of her race car.  Plus, we ran around the laser tag arena like 8th graders.

Ready to roll.

Laser Tag!  I killed it in a dress!

 

Enjoying coffee and breakfast.  Maybe this was the reason I was a tad late for work...

Adding a touch of home to Art Alley. 

The city is trying to get rid of Art Alley.  I'm hoping that will not happen being that our LA mark is precious!

Prairie Berry delights. 

I've always been a fan of Prairie Berry, but now I'm equally in love with Alpine Inn.  Lunch serves German cuisine.  Dinner serves steak!  It's kind of cool to not have any choices for dinner.  But then again, you get to choose between over 10 desserts.  We ate everything and I'll make sure to bring the hubby here soon.  

My lovely date at Alpine Inn. 

The desserts at Alpine Inn are divine.  The steak was even better!

Maggie comes to Play--Part 1

Maggie and Lance finally made their way to South Dakota after spending some time in NYC.  We finally have visitors from my side.  

Apparently, everything is closed during winter in South Dakota...this city/state actually has an off season and Mags and Lance decide to come at this time.  It was a bit challenging to find new things for them to do, but we made sure to jam pack their week.  Tip for the future: have guests come during the summer time.  Winter is lovely with snow but almost everything is closed!

She's here!!!  I even made a snowman just for her!

Kang San!  The best food ever!

First stop for Maggs.  ICE skating!

This is what I looked like much of our time out on the ice.

While I worked, the kids played on the frozen ponds. 

The presidents!

Please note what's flying toward Maggie. 

Wall Drug.  It has everything!