We were able to go to Columbia, SC for Christmas this year! It has been several years since we were there for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (due to Jimmy's work).
Christmas Eve service at the church where I was raised and in which Jimmy and I got married :)
Christmas morning (thanks Memere for the matching jammies). Happy birthday Jesus! We worked really hard this year to fight against "commercial Christmas". You know what I'm talking about...when you're out in public and everyone keeps asking your kids, "Have you been a good little girl/boy? What is Santa bringing you? What do you want for Christmas?" Don't misread my words as being judgmental because these things can be good, however, it's easy for kids to be convinced that celebrating Christmas is about getting what they want. We spent each morning reading our Advent Jesse Tree devotions and talked about why we celebrate Christmas, why we give and receive gifts, why people talk about Santa, etc. It's hard because some people do Santa and others don't and we haven't quite figured out what we are going to do there. When kids are little it's hard for them to fully grasp Christmas, so we know we have to be intentional all year long. We are thankful for making memories and all the fun traditions Christmas brings and look forward to continuing to raise our children to focus on the real meaning of Christmas but we all need help and accountability, parents!
1st Christmas as a family of 5
Our two fur babies came as well and had a good Christmas morning
Those 3 :)
Wesley's "Stinky the garbage truck"
Anna got some presents
Grace's "doll and magical wand"
We over-do it with stockings for sure :) I love doing the whole "something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read" as well.
Presents from Nana and Grandpa
Foam swords!
Happy (early) birthday to uncle Jordan
Pepere and his grand-nugget :)
Jimmy had to return home but I was able to stay a few extra days with the kids so they could spend time with their uncle Jordan who lives in Los Angeles, CA.
Zoo trip (tall uncles are the best!) feeding the birds
Jumpers
Wesley is always asking, "Can I hold her??" He loves his little sister and is such a gentle little man with her.
The kids got Twister from uncle Jordan and had a fun time playing it...(don't challenge a flexible 5 year old to this game people...not as young as I once was, haha)
More park time with uncle Jordan
Last picture with uncle Jordan before we headed back to NC. It was lovely to spend so much time with family over the holidays!
uncle Linton, aunt Cindy, and Jordie
dad, mom, and Jordie
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