Overflowing hearts and stockings - Christmas 2013

Stockings have always been a favorite of mine.  

Growing up and now.  And the boys love them too.  

These stockings did not disappoint...  they were filled to overflowing 

with movies and craft supplies, Lego mini-figures and so much more!

After the stockings we took a break for breakfast, then headed back to the tree for more gift giving fun.

I love that these pictures capture the celebrating the boys do over each others presents.  

They peer over shoulders, clap, and throw their arms around one another.

But this celebratory dance was my favorite of the morning.  

When their Dad opened a gift card to The Cheesecake Factory, the boys broke into a 

spontaneous chorus of "Take Mom on a date!  Take Mom on a date!  Take Mom on a date!"

After the gift giving the boys went outside to shoot hoops with their Dad.

And then the party moved back inside for a little bit of this...

And a whole lot of this...

And a very merry Christmas was had by all!

2013 - over and out

Our home and boys this Christmas time

The above snapshots are of our home this Christmas... It's hard to believe that our Little People nativity may have had its last play until we have grandchildren!  Sweet memories.

Now for some pictures of our boys playing with their Daddy's childhood train.

And off to church for Christmas Eve service, for tomorrow is Christmas!

 

DOUBLE DIGITS!

We celebrated Caleb's Birthday with the sunrise.  Since it was a school day we were up early enough to have a little family party before we all headed in separate directions.  The timing couldn't have been more perfect, Caleb opened his Harry Potter set and leather jacket while it was still dark, then came outside for his big birthday surprise just as the sun painted the sky pink.

Two weeks later and Caleb has already been to the beach two times.  Once with his best buddy Jake, and then with his new friend and instant surf buddy, Braden.

Happy Birthday, Caleb!  You are a wonderful son, a good and fun friend, 

a marvelous grandson, and an authentic Christian young man.  

Watching you surf is such a thrill.  It reminds me each time you run 

confidently out into the waves that you are growing up!  

I thank God for the gift you are to us all.