Christmas 2022
Events > 2022 > Christmas 2023
Franklin left to go visit Dana and Ellie for Christmas. It was an adventure getting to them. From the border stpping him for inspection to the extreme eye pain and the adventure with Frank, he finally made it.
During the week before Christmas, Franklin hung-out with Ellie as she was off school and Dana was working.
Ellie got up early Monday morning to make the most of her time. The day started out with playing with snow. throughout the rest of the week we did all sorts of fun things, from putting up the tree and sorting presents to arts and crafts to playing with her stuffed toys. Franklin took photos throughout the day sharing what they were doing with Dana to include her in the fun. Oh and the food. Franklin had to share what he was feeding Ellie since she was always hungry. He wanted to ensure he was providing enough food for her.
Tis day before Xmas Eve. Dana was at work, hoping to get out early. We decided to meet at Costco after work so we could buy groceries to make a lovely Christmas meal. Just we didn't know when Dana would finish work.
Ellie and Franklin decided to leave early and just go around shopping at different stores. This is when we got the really creepy Santa photo at Lowes and of course a photo of Ellie in her natural habitat, the Walmart kids section.
We were hungry and stopped off for some Chik-Fil-A. Dana finished work and we finally went to Costco where we had fun sampling food and buying things we needed.
Chirstmas Day
Franklin worked for months on Dana's gift. It was an elaborate connected gift with puzzles that lead to each of the next gift. She got a custom made popup card. A Twitter keychain. Two rocks from the first movie we saw together. A trophy for being so hot (causing global warming). A monkey and custom made SpaceX rocket. A puzzle of Franklin and Dana's first photo. Lastly some jewelry. After half a year of planning, the enjoy on Dana's face was worthwhile.
Ellie received a mini coke fridge which contained a paper inside which took her on a scavenger hunt around the house. This lead her to her first Chromebook. She played with it while Dana was doing her puzzle.
Franklin received probably the best gift of the three. Socks. He has had a dream of wearing a fresh pair of socks each and every single day. Dana made this long time dream become a reality. At least for half a year.
Later that afternoon, Dana and Franklin made Ellie a deal. If she could use her new Chromebook to find a movie, where it is playing and the time, we would take her. Needless to say we ended up at the movie theathers.
Elf on a Shelf
This is the first year Ellie got an Elf on a Shelf. Two to be exact. They had fun toilet papering the microwave, bathing in marshmallows, taping themselves to her bathroom mirror and even leaving a trail of elf poop all the way from Ellie's room to the Christmas tree
Chinese Food Buffet
Franklin and Dana were discussing Chinese Food and buffets in Springfield. So they decided to kill two birds with one stone and go to one. Thankfully they brought Ellie who made the meal experience so much more enjoyable.
She tasted the steak and was instantly blown away. "This is 5 star steak!" she said in excitement. She really got her money worth.
The perfect Omelet
Dana has increidble omelet making abiltiies. They come out perfect nearly everytime. Truly a magical talent bestode upon her. Franklin decided to share this omlete in which Dana replied that she wishes she could have flipped it.
So in Franklin fashion... this gif was born.
Guns
Dana and Franklin discussed is buying a gun at Walmart was a thing locally where she lives. Since we were headed to Walmart anyways, we decided to find the answer to our question out. So we went shopping. Sort of. Not really.
We stood there reading the signs and making jokes. Eventually Dana took a photo that she sent to Franklin's parents informing them (jokingly) of his new purchase.
Ellie the Stylist
Dana agreed to have Ellie do her makeup. The results speak for themsleves here.
Just to think, Franklin was just asking Dana and Ellie if they wanted to cut his hair the day prior.
Meeting Matt & Shawna
Franklin and Dana sat down for dinner with Matt and Shawna to discuss moving to Canada and overall just getting to know Franklin. We had Mexican food and overall the meal and conversation was very good.
So good that we decided to do it again, this time with Nonna's Pizza and Ellie present.
We really connected well.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Every time Franklin has come to visit Dana, they go back for fried green tomatoes at The Pearl. This is where we had first official date.
After that we picked up frosties at Wendy's. Overall a great date night. I mean look how stunning Dana looks <3.
