A Whole Host of December Pictures

We just celebrated Epiphany last Wednesday, and managed to put all the Christmas decorations away on Thursday. Now it's time to catch you up on all our December activities and celebrations.

Aidan's First Advent and Christmas

Here's Aidan opening up the first door on our Advent calendar/tree. The kids each got to open a door every other day, finding either a tasty or fun treat inside.

At the Bethany December Brunch

Early in December each year, our adoption agency, Bethany Christian Services, hosts a brunch for local families who adopted internationally. Here we are in front of the tree in the church where the brunch was held.

St. Nicholas' Day

"Daddy...Mama...what is this doing in my shoe?"

Treasure on St. Nicholas' Day

Lily and Aidan showing the candy, coins, and oranges they found in their shoes on the morning of St. Nicholas' Day (Dec. 6).

Lily decorating the tree

Kids in the Creche

Our two crazy kids climbed under this throw on one of our chairs. It made it look as if they were part of the Nativity scene. This picture inspired my Christmas Eve sermon, which I entitled "Seeing Yourself in the Stable." You can read it over at my church blog by clicking here.

Can't wait to tear in to those presents!

Aidan and his stocking

Lily and her stocking

Kids, Dad, and Grammie O

We enjoyed having my mom up from California for a couple weeks over Christmas and New Year's Day.

New Christmas Clothes

Aidan seems happy to pose, but Lily looks she's copping the attitude that says, "Just take the picture already!"

Oh, PUH-LEEZ!!!

Lily' and her baby's new ballet clothes

Lily loves her dance lessons, so it was only appropriate that her favorite baby "Lexi" have some dance clothes of her own.

Aidan's New Bike

Aidan is the proud new owner of a "Lightning McQueen" bicycle. He's still got a long way to go before he can successfully pedal it. His leg strength isn't quite yet where it should be.

Brother, Sister, and the New Bike

Dad loves trains, too

Not being the handiest of fellows, I was pretty proud of the fact that I was able to put this thing together. What little boy doesn't love a train set under the Christmas tree? This little boy in the picture sort of likes to play with it, too.