Merry Christmas!

Once again, it's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone already. The weeks and days leading up to it are filled with so much activity, planning and traveling, that it's hard to sometimes remember what the true meaning is all about anyway. This year, with Hannah being older and more influenced by the advertising and other children she sees/talks to, we tried all the more to remind her (and Ellie & Sam) what Christmas is really about. She would be begging for toy after toy and I would say, "Now Hannah, you know Christmas is not about getting presents..." and as quickly as it would come out of my mouth, she would reply in her 16-year old sounding voice, "I KNOW Mom." I think she really does understand, but I also know it's hard for a 5 year old to contain the thrill of knowing what lies ahead on the big day! She's such a sweetheart! We thank God for His precious gift of Jesus...the best gift any 5 year old, 33 year old, 95 year old (and everything in between) can receive!

We were once again blessed with safe travels this holiday and wonderful days spent with both of our families. Our days in MI were filled with snow, snow and more snow, but that's okay. We stayed inside (except for one fabulous day...see pics) and baked, decorated a gingerbread house and played, played, played. Thankfully, Matt, Stacey and the kids were able to make it out Tues. for our Christmas celebration together. Thank you mom and dad for once again being great hosts! 

After waiting out yet another MI storm, we headed home Christmas Eve after the Smith Christmas party in Holland. It happened to be the best decision ever. The roads were clear and traffic was light. We got home a little late, but that's okay...we weren't stuck in the snow, driving on ice or sitting in hours of traffic. Thank you Lord for that bit of mercy! 

Christmas morning was perfect...relaxing, peaceful and a wonderful time with our family. The girls enjoyed opening their gifts and Sam watched on with just as much excitement. I'm sure next year will be a whole different story! We headed to Chicago, to Brian's parents around noon and spent the rest of the day with them and the Johaniks. The Smiths joined us in the evening for a wonderful meal. Thank you mom and dad for another fabulous day in the city...great company, yummy food and a relaxing day with family!

Enjoy the pics below...just a reminder that you can click on individual pictures on the page to enlarge them. :O) 

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Oh, a quick follow-up story to my last post about Santa...we were at the mall a few days after seeing Santa at Brian's office. Of course, Hannah saw the Santa at the mall and wanted to say Hello. Since there wasn't a line, I agreed. We walked up and she said right on his lap (as Ellie clung to the stroller seat. :O) After Santa asked, "What would you like for Christmas?" Hannah sat for a few seconds and said, "I'll have to think about it." Oh, too funny! What kid walks up to Santa without knowing what she wants?!?! :O) After thinking of a couple of things, she hopped off and then stood looking at him. Then, true to form, she asked him, "Is there only one Santa?" He, rather quickly, replied, "Yes, there is." To which she then asked, "Were you at my Daddy's work?" Again, Mall Santa, not skipping a beat, said, "Yes, I was." I looked at him and then looked at her hoping she wouldn't come up with anything else and I guess she was satisfied with his answer, because she seemed done and we walked away. I was waiting for her to continue the conversation with me, but she didn't do that either. Whew! :O)