Christmas 2007

Christmas was a special time this year for many reasons. This was Caroline's first Christmas, so we cherished every moment with her. Some of our favorite memories are:
*Getting our tree and decorating it
We make a night of it by going out to eat after we choose the tree (CiCi's this year was pretty lame but the kids were sooo excited about it , we think we might do it every year.) We come home and decorate it while listening to Christmas music. Then, we drink hot chocolate and watch a movie.
*Christmas Eve at my (Beth's) grandparents' home in Jonesborough
This is what I've been looking forward to every year since I was little. All of my dad's family comes together to eat and open presents. It's a wonderful tradition.
*Christmas morning at home then at Gran's
We stay home long enough to open gifts and relax a little. Then we head to Gran's (Ryan's mom) for brunch, presents, and dinner that evening. The kids love throwing the wrapping paper in Gran's fire place.
*Anna and Luke's homemade gifts
Anna and Luke spent a lot of time making Perler bead ornaments and pictures to give as gifts. You could tell by the look on their faces that they truly enjoyed giving and seeing their presents opened by others.
*Christmas services at Grandview
Our church is such a wonderful place to be at Christmas. We love the season of Advent and being with our church family during this time. We are so thankful for the love of our Lord and celebrating his birth with those we love.