Turns out the elf pajamas worked and Santa found us on Christmas Eve at our cozy apartment in Helsinki :) He filled our stockings with lots of goodies and left them by our mini Christmas tree that we picked up at a flower shop a few doors down. Nory was thrilled that Santa filled NOT ONE, BUT TWO stockings for her.........#haaaaaaa #JulietSharesSoWell
After a slow start to the day, we decided to brave the wind chill and make our way to the Helsinki Zoo. Which happens to be on an island. Which happens to be colder than attractions on non-islands. IT WAS THE PERFECT WAY TO SPEND CHRISTMAS. Especially since there were so many bird exhibits. Yep, I was FREEZING COLD with THE BIRDS. It was my dream come true ;)
Here are some pictures from Christmas Day:
After a slow start to the day, we decided to brave the wind chill and make our way to the Helsinki Zoo. Which happens to be on an island. Which happens to be colder than attractions on non-islands. IT WAS THE PERFECT WAY TO SPEND CHRISTMAS. Especially since there were so many bird exhibits. Yep, I was FREEZING COLD with THE BIRDS. It was my dream come true ;)
Here are some pictures from Christmas Day:
^^^ Although Nory asked for a pink teddy bear for MONTHS, the little baby she got (with the accompanying baby gear!) was definitely a highlight. As was the Kinder Surprise Egg.
^^^ The zoo had many great exhibits, but the major ones were the big cats and owls of all sorts. That being said, I was MUCH MORE into the beautiful landscapes around the enclosures. The zoo made a great effort to maintain the natural landscape when they designed the zoo grounds. It really is a unique zoo in that sense.
^^^ So pretty, TOLD YOU! Nory enjoyed some rock-climbing after passing the moose enclosure.
^^^ A sneak peak at the sun's descent and a newly found ANNOYANCE as a glasses user. You guys - we walked into the AMAZON and BAM! Fog for days. Also...I can't stand dirty glasses. I use dish soap on my glasses at least once (sometimes twice!) a day. Those little cloths just don't live up to my viewing standards.
^^^ This building was around the half-way point and it's where we stopped for a delicious home-cooked meal. A HOME-COOKED MEAL! I ordered mashed potatoes and meatballs and it was like we stumbled upon a frozen girl's heaven.
^^^ Guess who loves gingerbread?! (Besides everyone.) JULIET!!!!!!!! She can down a cookie in seconds and make you think she dropped it under the trouble when really it's 100% GONE-ZO!
^^^ For Christmas dinner, we made homemade pizza. Yet again, Chef Quinn took the lead, but Nory acted as sous-chef and, before freaking out about flour on her pants, she really pulled her weight ;)
In the evening, we called family back home and I think all of us were left feeling a little sad and blue. It's nice being able to see OUR PEOPLE on the computer, but it's kinda heartache-inducing too. Missing out on the family traditions we've had for YEARS or seeing some traditions end because everyone is grown-up and gone.....GAHHHHH. Tears.
In an effort to STOP tearing up, let's end this one. We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with loved ones!!! Sending big hugs and many smiles to you, wherever you might be.
Love, The Parkinson Family
XOXO
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