My intentions were to keep up with my posting during this holiday season, but like everyone else, it was a busy time for us. There is picture overload on this post. :)
This was the first year we stayed home for Christmas since we moved back. So it was a quiet, relaxing Christmas for us. (Which we all needed - it was wonderful!)
The season began with a Gingerbread house decorating party for some of Payton's homeschool friends.
Here they are hard at work.
Still working......
The dessert table brings lots of joy. :)
Payton's house fell apart, so her redesign was a Chalet, with a bond fire and carport. (Hmm...not quite sure why the snowman is under the carport?) :)
This was Payton's area when she was done. Oh, my...how did I (a type A person) give birth to a such a messy girl.
I love these girls. They are as sweet as they are cute. :)
The next celebration was our 22nd wedding anniversary! We went to our favorite (and traditional) restaurant. (The meal I order is so delicious, I literally think of it for the entire year!) Having our anniversary right smack in the middle of the holidays is hard, but because I love Christmas and the decorations so much... it makes our anniversary extra special for me.
I love my husband more each day, and thank God for him!
Christmas Eve
Landon reading about the miracle of Christmas - Jesus, God's perfect gift to us!
Such a happy time.
Didn't Max capture such a loving look? I'll have to remember this picture when he's not so loving. :)
Landon is wondering what in the world his sister bought him. She wrapped it in a large box...and six boxes later, he finally got his gift.
And loved it!
They all got hats. Max's was a gift from me. If you've ever seen him when it comes time to bring out "all" my Christmas decorations, you'd understand why I chose it. :)
One of my favorite things about Christmas - hearing from family and friends. I especially love the pictures and Christmas letters!
Max's sister, Jeanette, made these stocking for us when we went to Connecticut for Christmas 13 years ago. From that Christmas on, the store bought ones were put away.
You're never too old for stocking stuffers.
Charlie enjoying his new stuffed snowman....
....five minutes later (and I timed how long it took!) it's shredded! He's 17 pounds of destruction. Rocky, my 120 pound German Shepard, had the same stuffed toy for 9 years. This little guy can't go past 5 minutes. Too funny!
A competitive game of Monopoly on Christmas day. Landon forced us all into bankruptcy.
After Christmas, Randy & Jeanette (Max's sister and husband), came to spend New Years with us. We always have a great time with them. Here we are getting ready for our New Years eve celebration...dinner, music and board games.
Welcome 2013!
It was a dog gone great New Year's Eve. (I couldn't resist!) :) Charlie and his friend, Sadie, joined in. Sadie belongs to the wonderful family who watches Charlie when we travel. So we returned the favor.
We caught a great firework show right outside my house.
We had a cold front while they were here. However, it didn't stop us from taking a hike/walk. The snow topped mountains were so beautiful!
Landon pondering his future.
I love the "action" setting on my camera. Very fun.
The day Randy & Jeanette left back to Arkansas, we hit the road to San Diego for a debate tournament. (Pictures to follow.)
So as busy as we were, I (we) never forgot to enjoy the reason for the season. We know how truly blessed we are to have each other, our wonderful family, dear friends...but most important, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For without Him, there is no hope, joy or everlasting life.
May we all love and honor Him in 2013!
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