Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Our weeks leading up to Christmas were full, and in many ways so sweet.  Grandma Kathy was here through mid-December, which was such a gift.

A snowed/iced out evening service meant an evening at home to decorate our tree.

Will's favorite branch.

The expert decorators.

The following morning brought a few inches of SNOW!

Which meant a day to stay in pj's and play games by the Christmas tree and fire..with Grandma!

Andrew and Spunky were very excited.

These two found a cozy spot to watch the snow fall.

A perfect day to make a gingerbread train...

and snow angels.

Snowball fight.

Getting his ammunition ready.

Our snow...bear?

Reading with Grandma.

A wonderful night at the IJM banquet - with my 8th grade Sunday School teacher Jan, who's husband started this amazing organization.  There were 1300 people there!

Zoo lights with Grandma Kathy!  

And a Maryland basketball game.

 And then began the week of all things Christmas - class parties, teacher gifts, treats for neighbors and co-workers, christmas productions, and parties.

One of my favorite mornings of the year - Christmas brunch with my bible study ladies.

 The YCF Christmas party!  We had about 60 people crammed into our home - such a fun time.  Notice Mac's skillful playing for our boys' toy piano.

 It was also the night of Andrew and Caden's Christmas school production (sadly no pictures, see video below), which meant a little dividing and conquering.

Redskins fan through and through.  Watching the last home game, with his jersey, helmet, two Redskins pillows, and blanket.  We cheered them on to the end, and are hoping for a better season next year.

Hmmm, video doesn't want to upload - will try again later :/.

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Will turns 4!

Our baby is FOUR!  And boy did he have fun celebrating this year.  Grandma flew out for the occasion, which made it extra special.

We started the day with his favorite - "pancake balls" (Trader Joe's Danish pancakes), which are amazing. 

And a few presents from his brother before school.

This boy still loves all things trains. 

Birthday story time at school.

..and cupcakes!

Followed by a Starbucks date with Grandma!

Opening presents - love that sweet face.

Elmo cupcakes before bed.

The next evening we partied it up Elmo style with a few of his buddies.

Elmo was ready to party.

Somehow we didn't manage to take many pictures during ;).

Cake time!!!

Sunday afternoon we had a Redskins party with family.  Having two occasions to party made life a bit easier on this mama.  Will wanted an Elmo Redskins party with a "W (for Will) Redskins Elmo cake" ;).  We settled with an Elmo cake, and Redskins cupcakes.

First to the table to eat - this boy was ready!

Cousin time!

Happiness.

Presents!

We had our first snow/ice that afternoon - the perfect time to play a little football.

Will with his grands (minus Grandpa Jack).

Such a fun day celebrating our precious boy.  Will, you bring an overwhelming abundance of joy to our family.  Your love for life, and pure enjoyment of the simple pleasures around you are such a gift to us.  I love the way you thank God for Jesus, for the "whoooole woooorld", for elephants, trains, elmo, and your family.  I love how much you love people, and smile at how much people enjoy you.  You have a special sparkle in your eye, and always a skip in your step.  We couldn't be more thankful to be your parents, and to have you as our little boy.  You are one of God's greatest gifts to us.  We pray that as you grow, you will love and trust your Lord with all your heart, and know his everlasting, unchanging, undying love for you.  We love you buddy!

Brookside Gardens

We did our tree trek Costco style this year ($27 for an 8ft frazier fir!), and after enjoying Costco pizza and Elevation burger for dinner, we ventured over to Brookside Gardens to see their lights.  This was such a fun night!

The loop was about 1/2 mile - we did it twice.  

Magical!

Giddy boys.

Their greenhouse had TRAINS!!!

We know this place! 

 A sweet, fun, magical early December night.

November

November came and went way too quickly.  Here's some of what we captured:

Fall soccer ended, and Andrew scored his first hat trick (3 goals).

We finished the fort!  And the boys were happily occupied while mom dug dahlias.

Caden finished a little Brit Am soccer class.

We built our first fires.

And took Christmas card pictures.

Will, just a week or so shy of 4.

Caden, age 6.

Andrew, age 8.

The official card photos (I think).

And this one.  

Just the two of us.

I got to accompany Andrew's class on a field trip to Fort McHenry - it was amazing.  The kids got to help them catch and fold the flag (too windy for the larger flag).

Kind of neat to help fold the flag which stands at the exact location that inspired our national anthem.

Breaking out of jail.

Playing on canons.

Best field trip ever, according to Andrew.  Love his sweet class.  And it was a gorgeous day.

YCF Turkey bowl, followed by the chili cook off at our house.

Tacky Day at school.

Caden took this.

We are loomin it up.

Thanksgiving fun in Caden's class.

Mrs. Smith made this fabulous turkey!

Thanksgiving started with the a very COLD Turkey trot.  Tia and I were hard core.

After a 10 am service at church, and sweet relaxing afternoon watching the parade, we headed to the Wintrols for dinner!

Hunter and Caden.

Zombies, I think?

Mary, Monie, Aunt Nancy (from Mexico!) Dee Dee, and Tia.

Laura, Aunt Gin.

Silly Will and Emmy.

Looking at geo cache locations in Mexico City with Aunt Nancy.

Our 2013 Thanksgiving Tree.

We are thankful for Beer, Boat Rides, and Books.

And Jesus, coffee, family, friends, 4th Church, 4th School, art, Addy, sports, and so much more.