Pre-Christmas happenings

Just wanted to post some of our pre-Christmas happenings in one post.  Between the sickness that has plagued our family on and off for the last month, I don't always feel like we have gotten much done.  Its fun to look back at the pictures and see these sweet times.

We were late picking out a tree, but found one locally and at a good price.  (Good thing too since we all pooled our available money and had just enough to get the tree.)  

 This is the one that we picked.

 We visited the Journey to Bethlehem with friends again this year.  Its a fun tradition that we all enjoy.   There is always a long wait which is perfect for playing games and having snacks.

 And coloring.  And just being with family and friends.

 Our decorating was postponed several times due to sickness and so we had our tree decorating when Christopher came home!  It was fun having him with us and two of his friends too!  :-)

 Daniel is so excited about all of the traditions and couldn't wait to put the ornaments and the star on the tree.

 While we were pulling out ornaments, someone found the freshly baked cookies.  Looking a little guilty here, isn't she?

 So many ornaments.  The kids have one from each year of their life.  (Except this year which I haven't done yet!  Eek!)

 Always fun to play and laugh and enjoy friends.

 Decorating a gingerbread train and house were also on the agenda.  Daniel was pushing to do many of the activities that we did this year.  I'm thankful for that too!  Christopher and Isaiah worked on the train while Rebecca and Daniel worked on the house.  Joshua was planning to be the judge.  LOL

 I need to take some "final" pictures with everyone and their creations.

We also attended church at the DPAC this year.  (Durham Performing Arts Center.  Its a really nice place  which none of us had been to before.)

 I tried to take some photos, but nobody was really wanting me to do that.

 Willing to smile if you ware with a friend.

 I just loved Eliana's dress and you can see some of how full it is in this picture.  Daniel and Joshua came up with their outfits this year.  Looking sharp!

 A picture in front of the tree on Christmas Eve.

 A picture of our meal.  We do a nicer meal on Christmas Eve and then snack food on Christmas day.  This year we had salmon, sweet potato casserole, tomato and mozzerella salad and asparagus.

More later of Christmas day.

We have more sickness at our house which I hope will be gone soon.  This has been a hard month.  Thankfully most of what we have had has been gone in a day or two.  Praying for health.

I hope your Christmas was filled with the joy of knowing Jesus as God's gift to us!

With love
Leslie