Preschool Christmas Program

Thursday was the last day of preschool before the winter break and was celebrated with a Christmas program! The 2, 3, and 4 year old classes teamed up to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. It was complete with costumes (and the two cutest sheep you ever saw), adorable singing, Christmas gifts, cookies, and even a visit from Santa! It was a wonderful way to kickoff Christmas break: surrounded by your family, telling the real story of Christmas. 

 

 

 

28 Weeks

 

Lights Under Louisville

Thursday night, we started what may become a new family tradition! Mommy bucked up the courage to take on the Louisville Mega Caverns and we headed out to see some underground Christmas lights.

During the day, we made special Christmas snacks for the drive and got new mugs for hot chocolate to decorate. By the time Daddy got home from work, we were in our Christmas jammies and giddy with excitement, ready to go. 

It was a little overwhelming at first (and maybe even a little scary), but once you warmed up, you both enjoyed it!

We had been warned that there is sometimes up to an hour or more wait, so we thought we'd have plenty of time for our snacks and hot cocoa. Turns out, the weeknight is the way to go! No wait and no time for our drinks! So, on the ride home, you finally got that "hot, hot, hot... hot chocolate!" and to watch the Polar Express on the way home. (To hear you singing "Hot Chocolate," and whispering, "I believe!" was a highlight for this believing momma!)

It was a fun, magical night!

 

 

 

 

27 Weeks

 

Here Comes Santa Claus

For the third year in a row, we headed out to Yew Dell Gardens to see the big man! This is such a fun tradition and magical atmosphere.

You boys are at such a fun age where you love every little Christmas detail - the smallest of Christmas lights makes you squeal. As we entered the cabin where Santa was waiting, you didn't know whether to be in more awe of Santa or the giant train display. Ryan, you blew us all away by walking straight up, hopping on his lap, and telling Santa what you wanted for Christmas ("an airplane"). Wiley, you were a little more reserved, taking in the sights and the train. Eventually you made your way to Santa, but I'm not sure your Christmas wish was ever whispered to him - you just wanted the candy cane and to get back to the trains!

After exploring the trains, we headed downstairs for a craft, next door for a reading of a Christmas book, and then time to explore the gardens. I so love this family tradition.

 

 

 

26 Weeks

 

Thanksgiving

We spent the month of Thanksgiving making our "Thankful Wreaths," listing something we were thankful for each day. I loved the innocence and sincerity of each of your answers. Some days it was as small as, "Chocolate milk" (but to a 2-year old, this was something of great importance and something you truly were thankful to have!), and other days as profound as, "God give me my helping hands and listening ears," or "God, Jesus, and church."

How true though. There is so much to be thankful for -- the smallest things we have to the largest! So, this year we are thankful for everything, from chocolate milk to God, Jesus, and His church! For our family and health...two things I don't say flippantly. For our precious family that is miraculously growing and the health that is allowing Baby Sister to grow bigger and stronger each day. For the extended family that supports us and helps us on a daily basis. For the health of our extended family (a big amen to this one!) so we can continue to go through this life together. We are beyond blessed with a unity and love among our families that often is hard to find. There is a closeness and sincerity in each of these relationships that we can't help but to say, "Thank you, Lord!"

Like any year, 2016 was not one without challenges or struggles. And for those we are thankful too for they brought us closer together as a family, and closer to the Lord. I love this holiday season and this period of reflection found during the holidays. We are beyond blessed and for that, I am thankful!