Christmas with Family

How much fun to be with Mimi and Papa for Christmas this year! We traveled down to where they stay for the winter and spent several days with them. It was warm enough two of the days for the kids to swim. I didn't get pictures of Elizabeth on Christmas day, but she was sporting her new mermaid tail and fin.

We visited a church for Christmas Eve service. I rarely dress the kids up these days, so it was fun to have them wear nice clothes and do their hair and sit together as a family for the service.

The kids exchanged the gifts they got for each other when we got home from the Christmas Eve service. Elizabeth made Harrison a blanket, designed a tee shirt for Phoebe and used her coupon to purchase it, and got Jonathan a little Lego set. All three of the youngers pitched in to buy Elizabeth a doll she'd been wanting.

The boys busy with Legos and spaceships.

Mimi giving tips about acrylic painting.

Phoebe digging out jewels. 

And Phillip gave me a date to the movies to see Les Miserables. If you know Phillip, you know this was a precious gift indeed (musicals aren't his thing). It wouldn't have been as good to see this movie at home, and I don't really go to the movies by myself. I thought he might get up several times to leave, but he stuck with me all the way through! I very much enjoyed it. 

Christmas Pageant

Hugs All Around

Harrison decided one day that he wanted hugs from all his siblings. He is most beloved. You can see where Jonathan got bumped in the eye with the force of affection that can come from a beloved sibling.

Christmas Joy

Harrison was enjoying being baby Jesus for the girls to hold. The kids are in the Christmas pageant at church and have been practicing away at it. Elizabeth is Mary, Jonathan is a Wise Man, and Phoebe is an angel. Harrison was invited to play a shepherd, but he didn't want to put on the costume (and I doubt he would stay up on stage), so he gets to stay with Mom and Dad down in the seats.

And they all decorated their little trees for Christmas along with music and hot cocoa to add to the atmosphere.

Braces Have Begun

Wow, I hope this is the only child who needs braces in this family! Almost 4 hours at the dentist to get these puppies on last Thursday and we already have a broken bracket. Elizabeth is being a trooper though. There's a lot of care to be taken with the brushing and flossing and being careful what you eat.

Elizabeth Turns Eleven

Happenings at Church

Here are a few pictures from Christmas decorating at church and from the children's areas. Harrison is getting used to nursery. For a while he would just cling to one person in the nursery and cry if he was put down. It takes him a while to get used to new situations and people. Big groups really cause him to cling. Sha bebe. I think he was coaxed into playing today though by the big crazy boy helper.