Merry Christmas to All!

Christmas is hands down my most favorite time of the year.  I probably began listening to Christmas carols a bit prematurely and I will be the first to admit I began putting up my decorations the weekend before Thanksgiving.  It is a fun and busy time of the year for our family.  Isaac's big brother, Gabe turned 4 years old a week before Christmas, we traveled across the state visiting family, watched about every kids Christmas movie out there and we ate way more cookies and treats than one needs to in a month.  It was all well worth it though.  We have great memories and I know the boys had fun.  

Isaac sort of reminded me of an elf this year.  I will also shamelessly admit that I allowed his diet include elf-like indulgences of chocolate milk, fudge, cookies and rice krispy treats. 

We kicked off holiday season with a trip to our Zoo-Lights!  They were awesome!

Isaac helped decorate (er... undecorate) our tree.

Gabe supervised and taste-tested all cookies.

Isaac and Gabe both got really good at wheeling.....

And I enjoyed every snuggle moment I could with these two little monkeys.  

As I sat at Christmas Eve church service at my childhood church, I couldn't help but reflect on this year and all of the blessings that I have been given.  This church, the one that Dan and I were married in, though aren't members as we do not live nearby, have been praying for Isaac ever since they heard of Isaac's surgeries and struggles.  He is continued to be prayed for by this loving community and many other communities.  I was so grateful that he was able to be at this church this Christmas Eve and be a part of the service.  (He and Gabe carried up the horses to the manger scene!).  

The Hymn of the carols reminded me of Christ's love for us all and the light from our candles gave me hope for the future.  I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas full of love, peace and joy.