Christmas 2018

Our Christmas day celebration ended with our tradition of visiting our friend Nada.

But the festivities began that Saturday with a trip to the Boston Museum of Science.

There is a current exhibit on trains and Jason's face was pressed up against the glass until he had to run to the other side to find where it had gone.

After the museum we continued North to New Hampshire.

Where we had a Christmas Celebration with Pepe, Grammy and Grandpa, Aunt Becca and Uncle Mark and cousins Blake, Ethan, Madison and Aaron.

Many thoughtful gifts and sugar cookies to decorate.

The next day there was a Godparent gift exchange with Glen and Carolyn.

The following day we were boarding a plane to Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve.

We attended a wonderful service at Blue Route Vineyard Church with glow sticks for the kids to use in place of candles, so that everyone could participate in the candle light service.

We celebrated Christmas morning with Nana, Bop-bop, Aunt Rachael, and Uncle James.

We spent the rest of the week visiting with family and friends,

and enjoying the Christmas decorations in Philadelphia.

Florida 2018

We all traveled together in September and December for Joshua's work trips to Florida. 

The togetherness is always worth the travel.

And the freedom from distractions that keep me from looking at these faces.

All three kids enjoy the water, as much as any other Florida attractions.

Sharing one hotel room means very early morning lobby breakfasts with this boy.

December was extra fun with Bop-bop and Nana joining us for the trip.

 

  

I love 'playing big' with this crew, 

because they take it very seriously.

Thanksgiving 2018

Jason celebrated his first Thanksgiving at Campus Kinder Haus this year. He said that he was thankful for his Mama, and Sophia chose her brother for the second year in the row.

It was also his Dad's first time at the Thanksgiving feast and Jason was excited to have him along.   

Unfortunately the third helping of turkey did not stay down or even make it into the parking lot.

We were anxious to get to New Hampshire Thanksgiving morning as Grammy had been in the hospital since November 2nd. We were thankful that we were all able to see her and that she is healing.

She is one of the people for whom I am most thankful, and I continue to be inspired by the grace she exhibits in all circumstances and how well she loves others.

Grammy  and Sophia share a love for jigsaw puzzles. 

With her Grandpa's help this time, she completed her biggest one yet.

In addition to puzzle making, there was sweet potato casserole making:

Gingerbread turkey making: 

Green bean casserole making:

and crafts!

Jason was the first one to the table for dinner, fork in hand,

And Sophia was the last one still there for dessert, ice cream cone in one hand, three kinds of pie in the other.

The kids ages ranged from 1-16 (up into the 90s when you add the adults).

With a total seating of 14 spanning four generations.

It was very chilly the first few days we were there, but before we got in the car to drive home, we had a chance to enjoy the snow.

Four to a sled barely made it down the hill. 

From the same generation,

to the fourth generation,

it was so good to be with family.