Preparing our hearts for Christmas (and Hanukkah)
This year I felt a strong desire to keep things simple. I feel like we found a routine (for now) in regards to the traditions we take the time to do and cherish. I debated even sending out Christmas cards. I'd switched to Paperless Post from traditional paper cards, but still wasn't sure. Gregg asked me to go ahead and send those and I"m glad I did. We put out our decorations together, did the Jesse tree (read Scripture each night for 24 nights reminding us why Jesus' birth was so important), did the Giving Manger (where we place straw in the manger each time we do an act of kindness), and spent time together with family and friends.
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| Lily Faith wasn't into pictures that morning...haha! |
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| Our Jesse tree with some of the felt ornaments that go along with Scripture |
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| The 4th night of Hanukkah (we read about the history and how Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication) |
Adalynn's first dance recital and Wynna visits
Adalynn's dance studio does a Christmas and spring recital. We had fun preparing for that at practice and dress rehearsal. My mom came for a few days to see the recital and spend time with us. We all enjoyed her being here!
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| Reindeer treats after ballet |
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| Matching! |
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| On her new bed in her new room with Lily Faith! |
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| First time wearing makeup for dress rehearsal...she wasn't too fond of the lipstick |
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| All ready! |
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| Lily Faith came to watch the rehearsal |
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| First morning after Wynna arrived! |
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| Lily Faith got her own tutu from Wynna! |
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| They each opened one present early |
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| Her new tea set |
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| His Geckobot |
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| On the way to the recital |
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| Downtown Americus |
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| Waiting to go into the theatre |
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| She did a great job! |
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| Daddy bought her a dancing Snoopy instead of flowers! |
Zeke plays piano at Central Baptist Church
Zeke had the honor of playing "Do You Hear What I Hear" at Central Baptist Church the Sunday Wynna was visiting. We were all able to go and enjoy hearing him (and the other children) play.
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| Ms. Elaine, Zeke's piano teacher |
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| All of the students ready to play |
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| Rehearsal |
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| After church |
Johns Creek for Christmas
We spent the rest of December at my parents' house in Johns Creek. Adalynn and I came down with colds, but overall it was a wonderful visit. Adalynn was able to go to eye therapy three times in the midst of family time. I had wanted to do more, but sometimes it's nice just to slow down! We were thankful to have a lot of quality time with Jared and the girls.
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| First morning at Wynna and Granddaddy's house |
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| Granddaddy watching Paw Patrol with the girls! |
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| Ready to go to the Atlanta Athletic Club Christmas Spectacular |
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| Watching them make his Build-a-Bear at the AAC |
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| Giving the heart for her Build-a-Bear |
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| Everyone with their bears |
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| They got matching bears |
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| She walked up to the green screen by herself, so they captured a cute photo! |
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| Church at Perimeter |
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| Is that face starting to look familiar? |
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| No Kids Quest, so we all sat together in the main service |
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| Impromptu horse carriage ride after lunch |
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| In the carriage |
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| Ready for bed after a fun weekend |
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Zeke and I went to the afternoon service at Perimeter, which was really special. My parents, Zeke, Adalynn, Lily Faith, and I enjoyed dinner at Mona Lisa that evening, then headed home to get ready for Christmas day. Jared and the girls came over that afternoon. We opened gifts, the kids played, Wynna read the Christmas story from Luke 2, and we all enjoyed dinner together. It was a wonderful celebration of our Savior's birth!
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| Ready for bed on Christmas Even |
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| Christmas morning...Zeke was the first one up! |
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| It was a Paw Patrol Christmas for the girls! |
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| Adalynn's Everest and Sky slippers |
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| Watching Paw Patrol while holding Marshall! |
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| Merry Christmas! |
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| "True Story" shirts |
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| Her new horse stable |
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| Adalynn got me flowers for Christmas! |
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| Adalynn's new "puppy," Chewy |
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| Real microscope from Wynna and Granddaddy for Christmas and birthday |
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| The big kids playing games |
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| Testing out the new microscope |
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| Granddaddy and Wynna with their grandchildren |
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| Jared and the girls |
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| Lily Faith loves her Kariss |
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| Cousins |
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| We were missing Gregg (he was home working) |
Happy New Year!
We stayed for over a week after Christmas so Adalynn could go to vision therapy. She really enjoys going and we have learned a lot of activities to do at home with her. After Adalynn has worn her patch for 30 days, she earns a $10 treat. It was time for her next treat, and she requested we go to the mall to pick it out. The girls joined us on New Years Eve to shop, then head to the movies. Lily Faith did really well in her first movie (Mary Poppins Returns). It was a two hour movie, so she was a little antsy at the end, but we all enjoyed it overall.
We pray blessings over you all in 2019. Happy New Year!
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| Playing while we waited for Adalynn at vision therapy |
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| Waiting! |
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| At the mall...they spent their money from Ken, Janie, and Riley to buy more Paw Patrol characters! |
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| She spent her treat money from eye patching to buy a train ticket! |
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| Wynna was a trooper and joined them! |
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| Play area at the mall |
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| After the movie on New Year's Eve (I don't know why Adalynn wasn't happy) |
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| New Year's Day |
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| Making more banana muffins with Wynna (they couldn't get enough of these!) |
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| Putting the dry ingredients in the bowl |
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| Happy girl on New Year's Day! |
