First I should say Happy Thanksgiving! We had a wonderful day cooking an 11 pounder along with all of the sides! My Mom came over and it was a delightful day! After lunch and some quick naps, or no naps for the older 2 kids who chose not to nap, we drove to the WI Dells for the rest of the weekend. My, Calie, 2 sisters and their families joined our family and my Mom. We had a blast playing in water, going down water slides, taking the shuttle (a BIG hit with Isaiah and Brielle) and playing with cousins. Sorry there aren't any pictures, just as we pulled up to the resort, I realized I had forgotten my camera. Oops.
We still talk about the trip, and just today Brielle told me the saddest thing was leaving the hotel and waterpark. I feel bad that I broke her heart, but then again, if that is the saddest thing in her life we are doing pretty good!
When we got home, we purchased our Christmas tree. There has been a debate in our house as to where the tree would actually go. After we ended up buying the first one that we saw, there wasn't any doubt that it had to go at the highest point of our ceiling. So our living room is COMPLETELY rearranged, but our tree is huge and gorgeous!
Steve went to string the lights around it, after checking each strand, we plugged them in together only to find 1/2 of one set didn't work all of a sudden. Then later, they magically started blinking! We decided it would probably be less frustrating if we just started over, so we were off to buy all new lights.
Collin woke up from a nap to discover the tree. It has been so fun to watch and listen to his excitement. Here are some pictures.
He found the foot pedal that turns the tree on and off. Yay....:(
This is what he does when he see the camera now. He sits and waits for his picture to be taken!
Oh the wonder....
and excitement!
Our daredevil on top of a tub full of trains
The kids have all been kind of sick lately, so we have tried to keep them inside. Today we needed to shovel and I was tired of being inside. So despite the 10 degree temp and negative whatever windchill, we went out to shovel.
This was Collin's first time with all his now gear on. It took him awhile to get the hang of the heavy boots, but after he did, he was fine!
We also decorated Christmas cookies last Saturday. They, as usual, had a blast making their creations and licking the frosting.
We have had an excellent time celebrating this Advent season. To get our hearts ready, we have had an Angel visit us everyday this year. She comes at night and brings a note and a book. The note gives the kids a challenge to complete each day. They are little tasks that focus on behaviors that Jesus wants us to demonstrate, such as give someone a hug or help a someone with a task. The kids have really enjoyed looking for Holly, our angel, everyday.
We, here at the Vera household, hope that you have a safe, happy, merry and blessed Christmas season where we know that He is the reason for the season!
Oh, here is the finished tree!
