Tis the Season!

This time of year is always busy and crazy and fun, and leaves little time for blogging. With all of the family parties, school programs, neighborhood activities, and getting ready for Christmas we have sure enjoyed ourselves!

 Park had his first grade program, and of course he was on the front row and so I could only see him if the red sea parted...but he did a great job! From what I could see.

Between all the family gatherings and craziness we did our best to keep our celebrations Christ-centered. Scott works with a woman who helps to organize a Christmas dinner for the homeless downtown with her church. They have had problems with running out of food before everyone is fed. We thought it a good idea to help out in an interfaith service opportunity. After buying some things from Costco we took the kids to her house and we helped to put together lunch sacks that could be handed out to those who weren't able to get a dinner. It was great to watch even Indie and Milo get involved putting granola bars, nuts, fruit, and even candy canes in brown paper bags. They really enjoyed themselves.

We had a Family Home Evening of doing the Nativity play with the kids.

Milo was our Nacho Libre shepherd.

Park and Annicka were Joseph and Mary.

And Indie was a naked wise man.

What a cutie!

Christmas Eve we had dinner with our neighbors. These guys are like family to us. We couldn't imagine not doing some celebrating with them!

Amen!

And some pictures from Christmas morning.

Indie was mad about not being able to keep playing the kindle and so he refused to stand long enough to take a picture. This is as good as it gets!

He did calm down once he realized that, yes, he was going to get to open presents.

I love how excited Milo gets over the little things!

Yay for Jake and the Neverland Pirates!

Minecraft Legos?!?! It doesn't get any better than this for Park!

Now that Christmas is over, I've realized how much I've got to get done before this next baby makes her appearance in about 3 weeks! And life keeps moving forward!

Milo's First Snow Experience

A week or so ago we got our first measurable snow and since it was a Saturday morning the kids got to go out and play. I'm pretty sure I kept Milo in last year during most of the snow because he was still so little. Not so this year!

 I don't know how Adam managed it, but he and the kids were able to collect enough snow to make a snowman. There wasn't any snow left in our combined yards, though.

Despite what this picture says, Milo really did enjoy himself until he got too cold. This is mostly me saying, "say cheese!" and Milo responding with, "DON'T!"