Christmas Eve and Morn

All the traditions and all of the goodness of Christmas. 

Christmas Eve consisted of making a gingerbread house, enjoying a cozy fire, sprinkling "reindeer food" on the lawn, new jammies and books from Grandma and Grandpa, and our little annual "program":

Christmas Morning:

This year was especially special because Christmas fell on a Sunday.  This means we got up early, looked at stockings and what Santa had brought, and then saved the rest for after Church.  It helps to put things into perspective and also spreads out the joy that much longer.  I loved it. 

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

The Santa House on our 19th Anniversary

We had a heck of a semester and were so busy with school and work that we hadn't had time to take Parker to the Santa House.  We decided we'd take her out of school so that she could still go before Christmas and were hoping the lines wouldn't be insane.  It was such a breeze we felt like we unlocked the secrets of the universe.  This is how we are doing it EVERY YEAR from now on!!

It just so happened to be our 19th anniversary, too.  I think it's kind of perfect that we spent it with our youngest little monkey doing what we do best--being parents, making memories, and loving the life we have created together.  (No pictures together, bummer.)

Later on, we went to dinner at Lucky's Steakhouse because our anniversary has become synonomous with Steak dinners.  We also finished up some Christmas shopping in Bay City and caught a late movie. It was a perfect day. 

Maryn Turns Sweet Sixteen!

I honestly can't believe how this has happened.  She is 16!  She is amazing and we are so thankful for her and all the wonderful things she does and for the awesome gir...I mean young lady...she is becoming!!

We celebrated her at home with cake and presents. Because it was her 16th bday, we got her 16 gifts to open, so it was quite an event. 

An avocado slicer!

This was the infamous date kit--a gift card to dinner at Applebee's and movie gift card!  She is so awkward!

Vintage books!

Avocado earrings and candle!

16 gifts!

Then, she had a small party with friends a few days later. 

Happy BIRTHDAY, dear Maryn!!

Dow High Presents "A Christmas Carol"

Maryn and Avery were involved with this year's Fall show, "A Christmas Carol."  The show was great and they did a fantastic job!  (Plus it got us all feeling the Christmas spirit and all that jazz, so that's always a win!)

And may God bless us, every one!!

The Midland Nativity Exhibit

Easily becoming one of my favorite traditions of Christmas. I was able to donate creches to exhibit and Mark and I were able to host. Jeff and Amy brought my Dad to attend this year while we were hosting which was really neat. It was another great year.

Parker was able to sing in a children's choir that performed on the opening night, which was super special for her.  She needed to dress up as an angel so she was able to wear Maryn's baptism dress made by Grandma Laurie and it was sweet to talk about her and remember her, especially for Parker who really has no memories.

She was really getting into character for her rendition of "Silent Night."

From my Mom

From the Czech Republic--my mission

From Amy

I loved this display this year.  So "homey"