More Christmassing

In light of the nation's mourning an unimaginable tragedy, it seems frivolous to write about the holiday joy we have been experiencing as a family.  On the other hand, these blessings are the means by which we make every day count as best as we can because, as we were so violently reminded, life is precious.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this holiday season.  I didn't know how much the kids would be able to handle and what they would enjoy.  It has come as a tremendous surprise how we have been able to celebrate throughout this month thus far and how much our children have liked making these memories.

On Friday night we went to the Festival of Lights at our local zoo.  It was just beautiful in unusually mild December weather.  Rex and Emilia lasted about an hour and a half and had such a great time.  Rex loved the carousel ride and the lights and music everywhere mesmerized both of our kiddos.  They were so good for the entire outing, we think this event might become a family Christmas tradition.  While we were walking through the festival, we told the kids that many years ago Mama and Daddy had had their first date there and that, therefore, the place was quite intertwined with our little family's history.

The four of us at Gingerbread Village

Emilia at the helm of our new wagon,
a Black Friday bargain

Rex lying back to enjoy the lights above him

My loves

We also had the pleasure of spending part of this weekend with our cousins and their boys.  We met up at our place and then headed to the local library for some gingerbread house decorating.  Rex and Emilia did a nice job with some parental assistance.

Putting on Fruit Loops shingles all by himself

Adding to the roof design

Afterward, we all returned to our home and enjoyed a Chinese carry-out feast followed by hot chocolate, pie, and cookies as well as presents.  Rex has been practicing opening presents at school and signing "thank you" and he did well with both.  It's amazing how he can learn and later apply skills if we introduce him to concepts first in a more controlled, non-traditional setting.

There's one more week until Christmas Eve and I, for one, know that I will be hugging my kids a little tighter as we wait for Santa after what happened in Newtown on Friday.  Parenting these little ones can sometimes be such a challenge, but they are alive and healthy and full of joy and for that I am grateful.