The Nights Before Christmas

With Eric home the week before Christmas, we especially enjoyed anticipating Jesus’ birthday. We made yummies, visited neighbors bearing cookies, worked on house projects, played Go Fish, Uno, Candyland and The Ladybug Game, and introduced Elle and Zane to Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Actually, to Eric's astonishment, it was my first time seeing The Grinch. (Gasp!) And to my amazement, Eric's first time watching White Christmas! How did we go fifteen years without these viewings?! I know I've watched White Christmas a few times in our marriage...guess he was in the other room??

There are some highlights this season that we don't want to forget. Both Elle and Zane were very eager to participate in our evening Advent devotions, which used a book containing pop-out pieces that slowly built a Nativity. Each took a turn adding a piece to the Nativity and then Zane tore it down and Elle put it back up, and on and on it went for days.






























Zane, always waiting for a taste. Elle is very careful with her icing and Zane is wearing a hospital gown - perfect crafting/cooking attire!



Unfortunately, Elle had a fever that started Christmas Eve and lasted for five days. We missed Christmas Eve dinner with family, the Christmas Eve service, and several outings. On a positive note, it slowed life down, helped us tune in to each other and Jesus, The Messiah. We especially enjoyed late night, lights out, music playing, couch cuddles...took me back to when I was a girl. I get weepy just thinking about the peace and comfort from these quiet moments.


Just love looking at her face! :)








Elle's idea to dress up as Mary and Joseph.