Christmas in the new house

We only moved here on the 20th of December, but Jeff had come ahead to set up the house. He also made sure to set up for Christmas, which included my big gift -- lights on the outside of the house. We got word to Santa, too, to make sure he'd deliver the gifts to the correct country.

First, the kids helped put out cookies & milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Jeff and I set up the presents before bed. He'd already had the tree when we arrived.

Jeff had woken early and so was out in the living room when the kids woke up. He got to witness their first reaction to seeing what Santa had brought.

Every time the kids were asked what Santa was bringing, they would answer -- "Tractor," Walt, "Dump Truck, " Gordon, and "Scooper," Adele. This was despite me prompting them to ask for bikes. So Santa made sure he delivered.

Walter was pretty excited about his gift from the Sterzinger gift exchange. Thanks, Ruby! 

Adele couldn't wait to play with her gift from the Sterzinger gift exchange. Thanks, Isaiah!

Gordon wanted us to all sit and play his new game from the Sterzinger gift exchange. Thanks, Henry!

My Sterzinger gift exchange gift was pretty awesome. Thanks, Paul!

Gordon all geared up thanks to the grandparents.

It's all we could do to keep Adele from trying to ride inside the house.

Walter is ready to roll.

Awesome magna tiles from Aunt Julie, Uncle Matt, cousins Laurie, Evan, and Kate. 

Dad helping with helmets

Taking advantage of the nice weather to play with all of our new outdoor toys. Note, Walter is wearing his helmet which he pretty much wore all day.

Walter and Adele figured out the bikes right away and we spent a long time going up and down the street. Gordon is still working on the pedaling!

Exploring the new neighborhood

We arrived in Gilbert and settled in our new home on the 20th of December. We are all still adjusting to the seven hour time difference, but otherwise we are smoothly transitioning. The kids all love having their own rooms and their new beds. They are also really enjoying the separate bathrooms -- the boys share while Adele has her own.

The travel here made for a LONG day and there were many times Jeff and I both lost our patience, but overall the kids did really well. I need to do a blog post just about that day.

In the meantime, we've been meeting up with new friends and exploring our neighborhood. Today, we took the big wheels from Grandma Elaine & Grandpa Wayne with the plan to go to the playground around the corner. Instead, we met one of our new neighbors who told us about a different playground across the street, but still in our development. We are so glad he mentioned it! It is a perfect park for kids at this age.

Rolling out to the park. Gordon hasn't quite got a handle on the big wheel yet, so he prefers to walk.

The awesome play structure

Walt showing off his climbing skills

Gordon being tall

Smiley girl!

Climbing Walt

More climbing Walter

Sweet smiles from Gordon. The area behind him was so pretty, too.

All three kids on top of the big rock.