New Year’s Eve

We were excited to spend another New Year’s Eve at the retreat center.  No TV, no internet – just a roaring fire and family to enjoy it with.  It doesn’t get much better than that.

Yes, that would be a shrimp on the light switch…

Christmas in Virginia

The day after Christmas we headed up to Virginia for round 2 of Christmas festivities.  The girls are completely set now for cold weather fun!  Boots, hats, mittens, coats.  We even tested them out by going ice skating in DC.  Unfortunately, I did not have my camera with me for the ice skating, but trust me we had fun. 

  James and Ernie got a kick out reading the instructions for the model helicopter James got.  They were loosely translated into English.  Noah got a kick out of chasing the helicopter.

Ahhhh, Virginia.  Great time with family, cozy meals, relaxation.   Ahhhh Virginia.

Christmas Morning

Even though our girls were super excited about Christmas morning, they slept in!!  We finally couldn’t take it anymore and woke them up.  As always Santa was very good to us.     Lily was sad that Sylvester didn’t have a stocking so she made him one.  Sylvester obviously couldn’t wait until morning and emptied his cat treats out some time during the night.         I think Sarah Ellen may still be asleep.        Lily using her new camera to take pictures of Sylvester.   Sarah Ellen modeling her new necklace Mimi gave her.   Mimi and Papa got the fun job of taking the Barbies out of the packages!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas Celebrations

Although we don’t get to see the Gardners nearly as much as we used to, they are still dear friends and always will be.  The girls adore Gabby and Maggie and we always pick up right where we left off.

Here is to more visits in 2012, more Settlers, and lots more COOKIES!!!!!!