December Shenanigans

Decorating a new house!

Annual Christmas photos--someone has had a growth spurt!!

So thankful for the 4th year that our church has supported my little clinic through the holidays. 130 gifts wrapped for the kids coming through the clinic during December and decorating the clinic for winter!  So many kids don't have safe memories during the holidays. It's my prayer that our little space can start the foundation of safe memories that involve a "nondescript winter holiday tree" *eyeroll/wink*. And many kids have either never had Santa bring gifts to their house (invertedly negatively speaking volumes to a child's value) or scared that Santa won't be able to find them if they aren't living with their parents.  It's a joy to be able to declare that Santa always does a practice run with the reindeer right after Thanksgiving and drops gifts off at the clinic just in case. <3 

Hunting for lights!

Mila declared these globes hanging from the trees her favorite: "Oh mommy, the Christmas meatballs are beautiful!"

Our regular Santa wasn't available this year so there was a hail mary visit to a Jolly Ole Elf unfamiliar with our crew.  When Isaac attempted to confirm what kind of salsa Santa wanted with this chips (because sometimes you need a break from all those cookies in the middle of the night, right?), Santa just stared at us...."Um, no....cookies and a little milk is, uh...fine".   I think we broke Santa.  

Mila making her gift for Gramma. 

Starbucks date to find Christmas around town:

For the record and quite unexpected, Bass Pro Shop had a pretty amazing tree!

Made a garland for our birdy friends:

Second annual visit to the Seattle Symphony Holiday Pops:

Matching Jingle Jammies!

Movie date to see The Chosen: A Holy Night with our sweet friend Matina. I.WAS.IN.TEARS!!

Christmas Eve Service--Hope Community Church is small but mighty! I'm so thankful for the family & fellowship we have there <3 

Our new house has a fabulous fireplace with plenty of room for Santa to get in and out WIHOUT making a mess (is it too much to ask to simply wipe your feet as you come in?  I've been begging for years).  We finally caught that cotton-headed-ninny-muggins on film AND proof that he brought A REINDEER IN THE HOSUE!!! (Who does that?!)  

I woke at 0606 to the kids whispering in the front room (Mila NEVER leaves her room in the morning)..."Oh boy! Don't tell mom".  *hahaha*  Is there any better gift to a mother then messing with her kids? I mean...come on, Santa!  Was it really necessary to bring a reindeer IN THE HOUSE?

Post Christmas field trips--Aquarium and planetarium. 

Thank you Jesus for your birth and a season to celebrate the Joy that we have in your coming <3