This is Garry. Our new Gnome. I read that they help Santa much like Elf on the Shelf but they don't get into mischief because they are super lazy, like they don't move at all. A Nelson family spirit critter.
Jia started the tree but then quit when company arrived.
This was our second stop. First we picked up Finn's meds. The vet called and asked Eric if we'd like another bottle just in case there are shortages or closures through the holiday. He said yes. Thoughtful.
Then we went to Yubou to see the tiny Christmas village at Cassy's. It's worth the drive.
Lili was really checking out the details in the windows of each building. I was chatting to the collector's husband and watching the kids.
Sooo much detail.
Amazing that a private collection is shared like this. She keeps a set of 35 at home. Her favorites. I couldn't pick a favorite. Luk and Jia liked the ferris wheel.
We weren't sure if we preferred the night scene or the daylight version. It's an amazing collection. You could spend a lot of time admiring the details. By donation to a cancer fund.
Then to Country Grocer to get snacks, the coffee shop was closed for a private party. Eric brought us drinks, mandarins and gingerbread men.
Then we visited the Rock Cod one last time as the owner is officially shutting it down. Today was the last day. The girls are pretty upset for the staff.
To the dollar store for the two pick shopping routine. One pick and one snack each. Lili and Fei joined in like the old days. Kai picked two items instead of a snack. That was surprising. He got hot wheel tracks and Christmas Dinasour window stickers. Luk picked chips and silly putty. Eric showed him how to lift the picture from the old comic he got from trick or treating. He did one lift and that was enough. I remember doing it until the putty was gray and sticky. We were definitely more easily amused as kids! I picked a new kind of number puzzle book. Pretty excited to tackle it later. Eric picked nothing. Jia picked cotton candy. Lili picked new salt and pepper shakers and disposable coffee cups. Fei picked a juice jug and a Charlston Chew.
He's pretty happy with Dino decorations in his corner.
Dinner at White Spot.
The girls are home for the holiday. They're off tonight hanging with the Rock Cod staff. Sounds like a sad get together but they wanted to be there.
Fei passed term one! 32 students to start. She knows of 5 that didn't make it. Three of them were her friends. Fei is definitely looking forward to resting for the break!
Lili still has two on line exams so isn't quite done yet.
