Celebrations

December is a special month for many reasons.  Besides the birth of Jesus, we celebrate another very important birthday in our family on the 18th of December.  Helaina and Zachary love their Seedy and love the opportunity to have cake equally as much :).  Especially an orange and lemon cake made by Teta Helen!

Helaina celebrated her last basketball game of the season this past Saturday.  Zachary decided that morning that he was going to help coach Helaina's team.  He begged to wear a tie under his jacket because "that's what coaches wear."  This kid is super mischievous and can be so ornery, and then the next day is as cute as a button.  He sure keeps us on our toes and a smile on our faces.    

After basketball, we celebrated Zachary's best girlfriend's 4th birthday.  Ellery had a super fun party with Trixie the clown.  She painted faces, had animal balloons, and a magic show for all the kids.

Helaina celebrated her holiday party at school with her teacher and classmates.  Parents brought snacks and dessert and the morning was spent playing games and making crafts.  So fun to be able to attend these activities with her.

And last but not least, we had an adults only (yes! a date night!) holiday party this past Saturday.  We have a great group of friends that bring us much laughter and happiness, and there is no better time to celebrate than at Christmas!

The Joys of the Season

There is nothing better than the joy of Christmas.  In our atrium (church classroom) and at home, we are in the midst of celebrating Advent, or "preparing" for the coming of our Great Light.  "The people who walked in darkness will see a great light." Isaiah 9:2  

In keeping with tradition, my parents visited us last weekend to celebrate Christmas.  The kids couldn't have been happier.  All of those presents under the tree are for them!

Our very own elf, originally known as"Shelf," has returned from the North Pole and was renamed "Chippie."  "Chippie" stays with us during the day and reports back to Santa at night.  Each morning, he finds a new place to perch himself and sometimes brings a goodie with him for the kids.  

At Three Cedars Farm, we visited Santa and his workshop.  In the picture below, Zach insists he can hear Santa's music from the workshop.  He's cupping his ear to hear it better.

Why, oh why, is it so difficult to get a picture of these two standing next to each other WITH a smile on their face?!

The kids are not too happy because they cannot find their name on Santa's "good list."

The best hot chocolate EVER!  It was topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and white chocolate chips!

A little Monday morning Christmas cheer!

Babysitting Lauren...she wasn't as happy to wear the Santa hat but beautiful are those big blue eyes!?!

And let the countdown begin...10  more nights till Christmas!

Holiday Fun

We have our very own elf in our midst.  Zachary is obsessed with the spirit of Christmas and all the magic it brings.  Of course, Helaina loves this time of year, however, our little man takes it to whole new level.  Anyone surprised by this? :)  The kids' hearts are so joyful that you cannot help but love every minute of this holiday season.

Our first cookies of the season!  

Light up the night in Novi.  They had a tree lighting, Santa, smores, a magic show, and train rides.

Saturday was Zachary's first Red Wings game!  My parents were in town for the weekend and we enjoyed a night out at the Joe.  The Wings came from behind for a 3-2 victory.  

Our Little Turkeys

We are certainly having a lot of fun around here.  Plenty of pictures for your viewing pleasure.  

Zachary and his best girlfriend, Ellery.  On this particular day, they were Superhero friends. 

We attended our very first Northville Light Parade.  It was bitter cold for November, but when you're a kid, candy makes everything better :).

We had a full weekend with no activities planned which is something that never happens for us.  So we made an impromptu decision to visit Frankenmuth, Bronners Christmas Wonderland, and we surprised the kids with an indoor water park at our hotel.
This is what a full day of fun with no nap looks like...Zach was definitely ready for bed.

Why do we even try for a nice picture?!?

Finally getting along watching a Christmas movie in the hotel lobby.

Helaina asked to take a selfie :)

Practicing our sad faces...

Zach wanted to be a part of our fun.

Thanksgiving with Randy's family.  Our blessings are certainly bountiful.  Just look at this magnificent display of food.  Another delicious feast prepared by Teta Helen.

On Friday, we traveled to Indiana for the McGinley Thanksgiving and celebrate the engagement of my brother Nate and his fiance, Jessica.  We got to spend time with Jess' dog, Missy.

Congratulations little brother, so many good things lie ahead for the both of you.