Christmas

Christmas 2012!

"While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around..."

 Christmas Eve service - my shepherds.

 It was a family affair...

 participating in the nativity reenactment.

 How precious is that?

 and that :).

This one is becoming quite a ham.

 And then it was back to our house for a beautifully low key shepherd's pie (how perfect) and game night.

 Post dinner hangin.

 With some chocolate fondue.

 We played a new game this year, and Grandpa Jerry came away with a beautiful prize.  So him.

 Opening Christmas PJ's (always their first present) before bed.

 Christmas morning stockings.  I love that our boys still don't wake up early.  It's the best gift they can give this mom and dad.

 A little bit of playing...

  

 before family breakfast/reading time.  I'm was surprised again at what a sweet time this was, with a room full of presents awaiting.  But such a perfect way to talk about the greatest gift we've been given.

 The first present Caden wanted to open was from Andrew.  Andrew even insisted on purchasing and wrapping his present in this Redskins paper.  Such a joy to watch them love each other in this way.

 Post present playtime.  Addy enjoying her treat, and Will reveling in his expanded train set.

 My little owl.

 It was a perfectly lazy day.

And then after naps it was off to Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Dee Dee's house.

 OC cousins!

 

 Daddy didn't stay long - he was getting very sick (with a bug that ended up keeping him in bed all week).

 Uncle Chris helping me exlpore this new iphone camera app (camera+) - love it!  

 OC ladies.

Dear Monie and Tia.

Tia gave Caden this dinosaur - the best present ever, according to him.

What an incredibly sweet day.

"All glory be to
God on high
And to the earth be peace;
Goodwill henceforth
From heaven to men
Begin and never cease
Begin and never cease!"

the days before Christmas

 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.

my baby's three

I can imagine that I'm going to have this sentiment every year, but really, how can my baby possibly be three?!?

We celebrated "choo choo" style this year.  But first, a little family celebration.

 Taking in his balloons and presents.

 His big brothers were big helpers.  He LOVES his new scooter - thanks Grandpa and Grandma.

 This picture makes me so happy.  He loves this girl.  (Waiting for his bunny pizza at Vapianos).

 Love that face.

Celebrating with Georgetown Cupcakes.

 True to his nature - he blew out the candle, licked a little of the frosting, and was done.

And then a few days later...

 A small little choo choo party.

Come on in...

 We decided to keep the house all birthday until after the party, with the exception of our non-decorated tree.

 Yes, I'm cheesy.

 Ready to party.

 Eating with his little buddies (the older siblings were downstairs).

 Cake time!

 He loved his choo choo cake.  He'd been talking about sharing it for weeks.

 Cousin love.

 Eating with daddy.

 Taking it all in.

and hammin it up (which he's very good at).

 Umm, look at his face.

 Presents...oh so many.

A fun time with fun fun friends.

Will, you continue to be such an indescribable joy and gift to our family.  We can't believe how quickly you are growing up - we are just enjoying you so much.  Praying that as you grow, so would your understanding of how much the Lord loves you and has done for you!