Christmas Highlights

This is as close as we get to the Griswalds' outdoor decorations...3 strands of lights on the big bush.

Patiently waiting to open presents with Uncle Chad.

Looking at Nana's Christmas present.

Coach doling out presents.

Frantic present opening.

More frantic present opening.

Instead of opening his present Luke just loaded them up on his new lawn mower and walked away.

Who wouldn't love new Star Wars safety gear?

And a new Spiderman bike (with a bell) to go with the gear.

Anna Ruth got in on the present action and got her first Christmas outfit.  Aunt Glo couldn't pass up the chance to make sure baby girl has a frilly tutu outfit.

"A Kodak moment" as Coach would call it.

Luke tested out the walkie-talkies to make sure they work.

Aunt B and her fan club.

Before church.

More frantic present opening, but actually on Christmas Day this time.

Hooray!  More Star Wars toys!

Joshua really enjoyed Christmas this year.  Dave and I had fun watching him soak up everything from learning the words to several Christmas carols and decorating a little tree for his room to thanking God for helping him to get everything he wanted. 

Coach Camp 2012

Christmas Coach Camp was a huge success.  Below are photo hightlights of the greatness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

More Christmas pictures to come in the next day or two.

Breakfast with Santa

Joshua has been anticipating having breakfast with Santa for several weeks.  In fact, most mornings he would ask, "Is today when Santa comes to my school?"  The day finally arrived and last Friday Joshua got to put in his order with Santa and eat breakfast with mom and dad.

 

 

To top off the morning's festivities, Joshua's class, along with another class, performed a 3 song program.  In the past Joshua has been a silent participant in such events.  You may remember reports of last year's church performance that involved Joshua sucking on the jingle bell he was supposed to be ringing.  Well this performance was award winning compared to previous ones.  Joshua sang and really seemed to have a good time.  I don't know, maybe the reindeer antlers brought out the Christmas spirit in him. 

 

Here is a little video of one of the songs performed.

Joshua has another performance scheduled with his Sunday School class this Sunday in church.  Maybe we can sneak some antlers and elf hats in to help with participation.

Thanksgiving

Dave's parents came to visit us the week of Thanksgiving.  We had fun getting to spend time with them.  I realized that all of my Thanksgiving pictures were taken outside.  Gran's camera has the indoor pictures on it.  But playing outside in the nice weather was a highlight of the week.  Joshua of course showed off his baseball skills and then played goalie while the adults took turns taking shots at the goal.

 

 

 

 

 

We watched lots of football, played dress up, and discussed Star Wars most of the weekend.  We ate our Thanksgiving meal with the Gladneys for the big baby announcement.  We had a great week.  If I can get copies of Gran's pictures I will post them.  We're grateful Gran and Buddy made the long trip to come see us.