We had a sweet and busy few weeks leading up to Christmas. Here is a bit of what we were up to.
Decorating the tree. Had to capture this sweet moment - Caden sang quietly (to himself) as he hung ornaments "God loved us and sent to his son, Happy Birthday Jesus!".
Hard at work.
Looking for "Christmas" bird.
He comes back to our tree every year - we can hear him, but we can't see him. Maybe some year he'll let us see what he looks like ;).
The YCF Christmas party - a wonderfully fun evening with so many of our favorite people.
Our dear Laura Morgan (pictured on the left) was in a very serious car accident just 6 days later. She is an incredibly special girl (evidenced by how packed our living room was the night of the accident as people poured in to pray for her). She remains in the ICU at UVA. We are praying, hard. You can view updates on her at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/morganfamily.
Andrew's first year in the Covenant Choir at church - pictured here with his dear friend Ellie before they performed in the York Nativity play.
Cousin Kaleigh was Mary - she did an amazing job. We were so proud of her!
The following Tuesday night was the 4th School Christmas production. Caden was super cute (rockin the hands in the pockets) performing with his classmates.
Will enjoyed cheering them on.
Andrew (in the middle) was laughing at Will blowing kisses at him.
Excited boys afterwards - officially on Christmas break!
We ventured down the National Botanical Garden again this year to see their Christmas exhibit and the train show. Behind Andrew and Caden is a replica of the National Museum of the American Indian, made completely of plant materials.
By the trains -Thomas passed by a second later, which of course made Will turn around ;).
Peeking in a window box. These two have had a lot of fun together over break.
Exploring the jungle.
We found a bridge.
By the Capital replica.
And then out front to see the real one! Some day they'll appreciate how cool this is.
My boys.
We stopped by to see the National Christmas tree. It was a little harder to get close as the President was getting ready to depart for the Newton shooting memorial service at the Cathedral. We could have walked around the elipse from where we had parked, but decided that for this year, this was close enough.
Saturday evening we ventured out to the Glenn farm for their annual living nativity. It was a COLD, wonderful evening.
Our little sheep and monkeys (it's a loose re-enactment..these costumes are the warmest we have!) were huddled in front.
The Beglins supplied baby Jesus.
And then it was inside the big house for dessert, singing, and warming up by the fire.
Santa even stopped by. Will had never met him before - he thought he was very nice.
So many moments to savor in these precious weeks. We are so grateful that amidst celebrating the greatest gift we've ever been given, he continues to shower upon us gift upon gift. Even in the broken places, we see His working - the peace and hope that have entered in.
