* written May 2015
The Christmas season 2014 was blessed. It was our first Christmas spent in our new home, and we had the pleasure of hosting Debby who kindly made the drive all the way from Oklahoma.
Our tree was HUGE and full and beautiful! ...It looked much smaller in the tent -- and we had to make a second run for more lights. Oops!
Mokie's nativity fit beautifully on my dining room table, and I loved looking at it every day. I have adored nativity scenes ever since I was a little girl. There's just something about them.
The Fairmont Princess resort in Scottsdale does a huge Christmas display every year. Nolan loved this musical, blinking tree with the gingerbread house projected behind!
Tho the days are lovely, the evenings have called for a fire -- much to the pups' delight.
And our outings call for a sweater! Love this cheesy grin. :)
With the addition of a few front porch accessories, this was the extent of our outdoor decorating. Next year I'll skip the red lightbulbs. While a good idea on paper, the final product looked like we were conjuring something more sinister than Santa...
David and Marion Henry visited a few weeks prior to attend a family wedding in the area, and gifted us this beautiful print done by a local artist in Rochester. We love it, promptly had it framed, and hung it on the first wall you see when you enter our den. A place of honor in our home for our nod to our MN years and friends.
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This was also our first time to attend the Christmas Eve service at our church. I still struggle a lot not to long for Calvary - especially the music ministry, and ESPECIALLY on occasions like this. Nonetheless, thankful for a church family with whom to celebrate our Savior.
Cruised round to look at Christmas lights a bit after service. This house is kind of famous in our neighborhood.
"What's with the giant empty sock, guys?"
2-yr-olds are hard to photograph
Ready for tomorrow!
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Christmas morning meant sleeping in, a breakfast of biscuits and gravy (made Grandma style - the best), and opening presents.
Nolan got a toy stroller and a razor scooter from Nana and Papa! 2 big hits!
Had to FaceTime the fam, of course
The awesome reindeer (or "rain-day-deer") jammies were from Aunt Lizzie. She always gets Nolan the sweetest Christmas jammies! I'm loving that little tradition. Thanks, AL!
And we have been giving Nolan an owl ornament each year. Here was this year's
Christmas morning bed head
Mikel and Nolan, both in their funny houseshoes
And a very fancy present from Grandma -- the firetruck! Writing this now, this thing has a lot of miles on it!
Also big this year from Grandma, a play grill, complete with accessories. I delayed putting this one together, in favor of lengthening the new toy enjoyment. (Sorry, Gram!)
Also big this year from Grandma, a play grill, complete with accessories. I delayed putting this one together, in favor of lengthening the new toy enjoyment. (Sorry, Gram!)
And as of Christmas Day this year, trampoline time is a daily occurrance. Mikel had a trampoline growing up and has long said he wants one for his kids. I was less sure.... so we compromised on this smaller version. It's perfect for Nolan. You were right, Mikel.
Mikel put this beast together all by himself late Christmas Eve night. I really should have helped him.... but it was cold outside!
He is the hero of the day, as far as gifts are concerned. :)
Mikel put this beast together all by himself late Christmas Eve night. I really should have helped him.... but it was cold outside!
He is the hero of the day, as far as gifts are concerned. :)
https://youtu.be/yGQwN9TCvQw
https://youtu.be/63glR6iUzWo
Sweet old lazy Khaki
And of course Scarlett
Present-opening. Thankful for all of the blessing we are given.
Rachel and her family sent us a whole box of Sicilian food goodies, including the best olive oil, blood orange marmalade, and pistachio butter!! I loved this!! (okay, we all did) :)
You might think a blender is a dull gift, but this was on the request list so we were justified. ha!
This year's tree.
Nap time was enjoyed by all.
...and the evening took us back outside! We had the heat lamp roaring, and Nolan was very content on Grandma's lap.
A sweet sight.
Every day is a reason to give thanks for our Savior, but Christmas with dear family reminds us of the biggest blessings of all.
