Christmas Joy

We had a wonderful month of December leading up to Christmas as we did some special things to teach Alivia and James about the real reason we celebrate Christmas.  Their anticipation was a joy and we had a terrific Christmas Day at home as a family having fun with new gifts, having a birthday party for Jesus and enjoying good food and each other.  We headed up to Michigan the day after Christmas and enjoyed time with Shari's family and relatives and even were able to introduce Alivia and James to a "real" sledding hill as until now they've only known the small one in our backyard.  We had a relaxing New Year's at home and are greatly enjoying life day by day with 3 busy little bodies!  Josiah is growing quickly and having more awake time during the day which is thrilling to the kids and good sleep time at night which is thrilling to Stephen and I.  We wish you all have a wonderful start to the New Year!

Christmas Eve...all ready for morning to come

An instantly treasured doll from Grandpa and Grandma Reed

A new suitcase for trips...both real and imagined

This inflatable tackle buddy was the perfect gift for James

as he loves tackling anything that moves

A birthday cake for Jesus...Alivia insists that chocolate is his favorite.

Josiah was a little tuckered from all the excitement.

It's amazing the positions they can sleep in at this age.

"And they wonder why I'm tired? Playing dress-up is hard work!!!"

Reuniting with Abby...the bear Aunt Brenda had let her build a few weeks ago

Josiah looking on as James enjoys riding Josiah's gift

Happy in cousin Elizabeth's arms

Thanks for my frog, Aunt Brenda!

Tummy time is great when you have a big sister who reads to you

 

"Mommy says my cheeks are made for kissing!"

These two have their share of sibling rivalry, but also plenty of shared giggles.

Michigan snow and a beautiful sunny day provided a perfect intro to sledding for the kids! 

Alivia absolutely loved it and James finally smiled and said "more" instead of "no no" about 40 minutes into our time.

A nice thought, but not successful once we started the ascent.

Daddy and Alivia taking a rest...let's just say after over an

hour of sledding...naptimes were welcome!

Happy New Year from the Grays!