As soon as I fix all of our electronic problems, we'll have pictures. Don't hold your breath.
A week ago, we had FHE with a couple of other families. Dinner was delicious, and we had a chance to reenact the birth of Christ. The host family had a box of outfits to match each of the roles from the angel, to Mary, and the shepherds. The box was a Christmas gift (complete with a camel hump for the family dog). What a great idea and we enjoyed using the outfits.
We spent the day before Christmas Eve driving around the Dallas area dropping off sweets. It started with Everett going to the door with Erik, knocking his special knock. But, pretty soon, Merritt made it known that HE wanted a turn going to the door with Dad. Pretty funny stuff as we see him assert himself at such a young age. We enjoyed seeing lights in the neighborhoods, and Merritt's response was always,"OOhhh, wwwoooowww!" as he pointed to the lights, his eyes wide. Can't get better than that!
Christmas Eve we lounged getting ready to host everyone on Christmas. We went to Grossology in a newer museum and found a version that was better for older kids. And, then it snowed and snowed and snowed.
We had a white Christmas. Good friend Connie and her friend came over on Christmas day along with Grandma, Poppa, Aunt Debbie, and Uncle Apple. It was fun to find out that our guest knew some of the people we stayed with when we were in Venezuela, like forever ago. A revisit with Ella Baila Sola. We thoroughly enjoyed the day (conquering the pumpkin shortage, rolling eyes at Sheila's failed "no fail rolls," and teaching the boys about Christmas).
Evy made name cards for the table . . . green stars with glitter. They were so cute. Sheila cooked the turkey this time, and it actually turned out great. The best sides of the meal were Poppa's cranberry salad and Aunt Debbie's Ambrosia salad.
We don't "do Santa" here . . . we talk about Baby Jesus and his birthday. We talk about the importance of Jesus Christ. We talk about showing love for others and what presents represent. Evy and Merritt enjoyed opening their gifts over the course of two days. We were all thrilled with the generosity of family and friends.
We had time to reflect on our blessings, the awesome opportunity that we have to be parents, and the incredible time we are having along our journeys.
