Christmas Snapshots

Wow! I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone already! This past week has been full of preparations, anticipation and celebrations.

It began with a perfect day to lounge around, play some games

bake cookies and

eat them right away. There were a few left to decorate, but not even those made it to Christmas.

Even though Christian has been taking saxophone lessons for just over two months with his new instructor, he was able to participate in the Christmas concert. None of the students had had a group rehearsal, they each practiced their parts on their own. It was amazing to see how it all came together and the music was heart warming.It was finally Christmas eve! Shawn was able to get off an hour earlier from work and meet us at church for the beautiful candlelight service. At home we enjoyed our traditional "racklet"meal, read the Christmas story by candlelight, followed by many more stories. Bedtime came, the adults had no problem falling asleep, not quite the case for the younger ones.

We were able to sleep in until 6am, and it wasn't even the kids that woke us up. We did hear some stirring and giggling coming from the rooms next door, so we got up, much to the kids delight. Christian could not find his gift and was a little puzzled until Shawn walked in with a big box that held his .22! Ethan also did not see his big box that contained his "Vulcan" Nerf gun. it would have been to obvious and the look in his face when he finally saw it was priceless.Nolan's gift was small and had to be disguised in a bigger box, when he first opened it, he only saw oven mitts. He was also a little puzzled, but very surprised when he got to the bottom of the box. He was not expecting it.

The day only got better, bringing us grandma and grandpa carrying big bags. Ho, ho, ho!

Nice, warm, mountain climate worthy sleeping bags! They were tried out right away. Nolan and Ethan put them to the ultimate test by sleeping outside that night in freezing temperatures.

The bags past the test. The boys stayed nice and warm all night and only came inside in the morning, with icy noses but warm bodies and spirits.

The next days brought us more family and it was a delight to visit with them. Ethan had a great time playing the "big brother" role with his younger cousin Levi.

There was also time spent outside. How could we not, with such beautiful clear skies. Not to mention that it's a very necessary activity when you have three young, energetic, sweet eating boys in the house.

Some frost, some sun, some evergreens, what a beautiful mixture of nature.

Even a little Christmas surprise left by someone who decorated a little tree on the trail side.

I hope you too had a wonderful Christmas.