Christmas with Bobby's Dad

Our final Christmas celebration was yesterday afternoon. We had Bobby's dad, grandma, aunt and sisters over. Here are a couple pictures from our day:



We have four generations in this picture!

Best Gift of All

All month long we have been talking with Ethan about the true meaning of Christmas - how God loved the world so much that he decided to send His son, Jesus, to earth as a baby, so that everyone who receives Jesus into their hearts will have everlasting life. And that the reason we give gifts to each other is because Jesus was God's gift to us. We have also had numerous conversations over time about how we are all sinners and we need a Savior - that Jesus is that Savior if we ask Him to come into our hearts.
So, the day before Christmas Eve, I was running errands with Ethan & Annaliese and Ethan & I were discussing this on our drive. He asked me if I have Jesus in my heart. I told him yes, I did. He then said, "Pray it again." So, I indulged him and prayed the prayer of salvation for myself. Then he said, "Pray it for me." I told him that I can't ask Jesus into his heart for him, but that if he wanted to make that decision for himself, I would help him pray the prayer. Ethan told me that he did want to ask Jesus into his heart. So I lead him in the prayer with him repeating every line: "Dear Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. And you came to give me everlasting life. Please forgive me of my sin. Please come into my heart. Help me to be like you. I love you, Jesus. Amen."
I know Ethan is young, but I am not about to discount the fact that the Holy Spirit resonates in the tiny spirits of children. The bible says that, "From the mouths of babes and infants, you have ordained praise." I know the angels rejoiced with me & Bobby over his decision!
Thank you, Jesus, for giving Ethan a heart after you. Help him to be more like you and have an ever-increasing desire to know you. Give him a heart for righteousness. Help him to be a leader, standing strong in his faith. Protect him and keep him healthy. Praise you, Lord!

Christmas at Pop & Gigi's

After a leisurely morning at home with the kids, we headed over to Pop & Gigi's house for more Christmas merriment that afternoon. We had a fun time with Pop, Gigi & Kyle. There was a Scrabble game that I demand a redo of!


Ethan, Bobby, Heidi & Annaliese


Ethan, Pop, Gigi & Annaliese


Kimmy, Mom & Heidi


Ethan, Gigi & Aunt Kimmy


Gigi with Annaliese

Christmas Morning

For the first time as our little family, we celebrated Christmas together on Christmas morning. It was the most fun I have had at Christmas since I was kid! I have always heard how Christmas is for the kids, and for the first time I totally got that. I was so happy to see Ethan & Annaliese with their wonder and excitement, that wondering what I received for Christmas was not even a thought this year. I will really treasure the memories we made!

Here are some pictures from our fun-filled morning:


Here's the kids with their stockings


Ethan playing with his new kaleidoscope, Bobby checking out Ethan's pop-up bug book and Annaliese on the move


Sweet Annaliese taking it all in!


Annaliese playing with new toy


Handsome Ethan on his new bike!

Christmas with Dad, Laura & Kimmy

On Christmas Eve we had Dad, Laura & Kimmy over for Christmas dinner & more presents! We had a GREAT time!


Ethan waiting to open presents!


Laura, Dad & Annaliese (with Ethan's arm - sorry!)


Laura, Ethan & Dad


Bobby & Ethan


Ethan with his new bike!

Christmas with Bobby's Mom

On Christmas Eve Eve, we had Bobby's mom, step-dad & sister over for a Christmas dinner and presents. Here are some pictures from our time together:

Annaliese & her new Waterbaby


Ethan on his new scooter!


Ethan with Aunt Holly


Roy, Annaliese, Sandy, Ethan, Bobby & Holly

Santa Picture

We almost didn't get a Santa picture this year, but we managed to sneak away for a little bit on Christmas Eve morning to go get a picture. Boy am I glad we did! Check out the picture:

Ethan was excited to see Santa and asked for toys (nothing specific, just a general wish). Annaliese on the other hand was not so happy.....Oh well, she'll get a kick one day of looking at this picture!