My Sweet Children

Snow!

We had some unexpected snow today and enjoyed a day off from the routine. This morning, the first word out of Sam's mouth was "WOWWWW!" It was so fun to experience the snow through little eyes. We even tried to make a snowman with our neighbors, but I think it ended up looking more like a snow blob with eyes, a nose, and arms. Being from the South, it was still magical!

Lost Tooth!

MG lost her first tooth tonight. She actually let me pull it out because it was hanging in her mouth--she is much braver than me! Here's a picture of her and of her note to the tooth fairy:

We had the privilege of a sweet visit with dear friends for the last few days. MG and Sam loved endless games of hide and seek, and Sam was able to win Taylor's heart again. We also got a few fun hours with Ann on Sunday. It seemed like old times, and we could definitely get used to having all of y'all back here. Leachmans-we loved our time together and have been in mourning today after your departure. We love you!

What did we do in December?

We built gingerbread houses,

ate lots of Christmas cookies,

visited Santa and enjoyed the Polar Express,

shared Christmas Eve dinner with friends (this is the only picture I have!),

delighted in celebrating Christ's birth with our Advent wreath each week,

joyfully opened presents Christmas morning,



sang Happy Birthday to Jesus,

stuffed a turkey,

made placecards for a big Christmas meal,

got worn out after the excitement of new toys,

read lots and

lots of

books,

visited the National Gingerbread Display (although there's not a picture of a gingerbread house here),



had many sing-a-longs including one with a quick visit from our sweet friends the Ruchs,





What a great month it's been! We are thankful for the many blessings God has given--time together, visits with friends and family, and a chance to give gifts to each other. We are most thankful for our reason for celebrating--the hope that we have in our Savior!

Thanksgiving Fun

The days are flying by, and I don't want to miss my chance to put up some photos from our great time in Charleston for Thanksgiving.

The Girls--

On the Awesome Playground--


Kissing cousins?

The First Gingerbread People of the Season--




The Cousins-

Thanksgiving Play

Last Wednesday, Sam was in his first school play. I use the term "play" loosely, but it was in our school's black box theater. There was a wonderful slide show, followed by the children slowly walking out onto the stage to take their places. They sang and signed a few songs and took turns saying a few words about Thanksgiving. Afterwards, all the families came to the classroom for pie. Sam did a great job singing the first few songs, then spotted us and turned into a very shy little boy. We were thoroughly entertained and extremely proud of our preschooler! It was a great way to start the Thanksgiving holidays. More pictures of Thanksgiving to come soon. . . .

A couple pictures of him before he spotted us:

Signing the song:

After spotting us in the crowd (His head stayed down the rest of the time.):

My two handsome men: