Christmas Joy

Christmas morning in front of the tree.
Missing our Susi this Christmas.
Dax and Graci on their way to church Christmas eve. Kamby was sick so mommy had to stay home with her and Thad. :(
Kamby was feeling much better Christmas day. She loved all her gifts but her favorites were her beads and sunglasses.

It had been raining a few days before Christmas and Dax was waiting for an umbrella. Unfortunately he had not go to use it because it has been too cold during the rains after Christmas.

With illness looming about and much work to do toward Susi's adoption, Christmas was shaping up to be stressful. But, we just accepted where we were at, did not worry about what didn't get done and it turned out to be a fun and lovely day. We really simplified this year and the kids seemed to appreciate it and enjoy themselves more. Savannah spent the weekend with us and got some great stuff to use at school in January. Alyx is at the age where it is tough to find gifts for her because either she is very particular about them or they cost too much. We managed to find some great stuff she wanted and she was very pleased. Graci wanted everything she could imagine and she is at the age where she thinks Christmas is the only time to buy anything. We did much focus on giving and Jesus, of course, but she still had the idea that this is her one time in the year to get anything she has ever desired. Choosing what she would really use and like we got her (all princess themed) a cd player, nightgown, and art kit. She was thrilled! Dax loved everything about Christmas he was so happy and grateful for anything and everything. Both Graci and Dax thought the advent activities and stuff before Christmas was more precious than Christmas day itself. Thad and Kamby got ride on toys. Thad also got a birthday cake you can blow the candles out on and Kamby got a baby doll that coos and bounces. The babies had so much fun with the wrapping and the fun of everyone sitting down together and just playing. Later Christmas day we went to Grandma's house for dinner with Aunt Rinne, Serenity, and Gabriel. By the end of the day everyone (especially mommy) was exhausted but it was a beautiful, fun day.