Christmas 2015

All the candles are burned low. One lone gift remains unwrapped. Christmas came and went again. 

It was a long celebration. There were no major events, no big trips... just a quiet, snugly season in our house and around our neighborhood. 

The weekend before Christmas, I drove out to Ashburn to visit with Mrs. Monica and her pups. She always keeps the kiddos outfitted in the best PJs. 

These were the kiddos' first Christmas gifts. They've worn their new PJs almost every night since they opened them.

Another Christmas tradition...

Hanging out under the table

...cookie shaping, baking and decorating.

And a new tradition...

...camping out by the Christmas tree on Dec.23rd

Our Advent tree

The Manger on Christmas Eve

More cookie decorating

More gifts from Mrs. Monica & Mr. Chuck

Advent wreath completely lit

We were able to attend church on Christmas Eve and were all provided with  battery operated candles to hold for the carols at the end of the service. I'll never forget hearing Jonathan and Melanie join in with the singing. Listening to our children worship God may be the highlight of my entire life so far. Jonathan held his little candle up and out throughout the carol singing. 

Those elves worked hard Christmas Eve!

When we returned home from church Christmas Eve, a package I'd been waiting on for some time was sitting in the mailbox. The envelope said, "WARNING: LIVE ANTS. Remove Immediately." I had not anticipated setting up the ant farm on Christmas Eve, but it made for some extra fun that night!

After the  cookies and milk were placed by the front door,  the kiddos were asleep in their beds and all our elving was complete, I stepped out onto the front porch to see if the nearly-full moon was visible. Not only was it visible, it was surrounded by a complete ring and it illuminated the thick fog lying close to the earth. It was a beautiful scene to punctuate a wonderful night. I stepped out and to the windows to observe several times before I settled down to sleep myself.  

A similar scene was visible on Christmas night as well. 

Stocking time

Happy Kitty and a new big girl bike!

Pistol crossbow set!

Jonathan exclaimed at least six times, "This is the best Christmas of my whole life!" I think it was a success! He's been hunting through the yard and neighborhood for birds with the new pistol crossbow set. And, he's been thoroughly enjoying the big-boy camera. We are getting used to blinking away the flash. 

Melanie is so happy to have Happy Kitty again and she is doing a wonderful job with her bike. We have been blessed with warm weather this week and not nearly as much rain as was predicted, so the bike has been thoroughly enjoyed.

Worn out!

We were able to spend time with some friends in Sterling last evening. It was so nice to catch up and such a wonderful way to spend the day after Christmas. We've been very lazy today! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!