Merry Christmas 2013

Yesterday evening we returned home from a special Christmas in Texas that we shared with the Royces, and part of the Hanschen family too. Jered's mom and brother Ian flew down to Corpus Christi to share Christmas with my family this year. We made lots of good memories, and the kids were so excited to see everyone. We had a short trip this year, less than a week, but it was very full of activity. We had Christmas at our home in Virginia the weekend before our trip to Texas. The kids enjoyed telling everyone, including the pastor at children's church, that they had TWO Christmases!

That Christmas Sunday in Texas was one of the highlights of our trip for me. We went to the church my parents have been attending by their new house. Our kids kept the congregation entertained by candidly answering the pastor's questions about traveling, and then made us cry when he asked, "Why would Jesus come to earth?" Emma answered "Because he loves us!" - nice and loud for all the church to hear. Who could think of a better Christmas gift than to hear your children share the love of God with any who will listen? Amen, Emma! He does indeed love us!

Family Christmas Pictures

We did our family Christmas pictures yesterday morning. Homemade as usual. We thought about getting them done this year, but we ran out of time and money, so we did them ourselves. Got some cute shots, and once again family picture on the first try - yay! That's such a blessing with 2 little ones wiggling around.

Thanksgiving 2013

We had the pleasure of having Jered's mom (aka Grammy) and brother (Uncle Ian) at our house for Thanksgiving. The kids were so happy to see their Grammy and uncle. Ian was sick almost the whole time he was here in Virginia, but we were so happy to see him anyway (poor guy!). We had time to see Jered at work, eat lunch with Will at school, visit Emma's library, have a girls' shopping day, and a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. We also put up the tree and other Christmas decorations with Grammy the day after Thanksgiving. Grammy's birthday was December 1, so we were able to celebrate together. This Friday, December 5 after Ian flew out, we went to Will's school for "Cookies and Cocoa with Santa" - their school Christmas festival. It was very well done, with lots of crafts to make, cocoa and cookies, take home coloring books, a gift shop for the kids to buy family presents for $1, and a chance to get a picture with Santa. The kids had a blast with (Emma quote) "that Christmas man at Will's school." They each got a candy cane, and this morning Emma told us she "wants to buy another candy for her mouth," so I guess candy canes are on her Christmas wish list! Jered's Christmas leave was approved, so we are gearing up for our Texas road trip in about 10 days. It's been a busy holiday season!