Playing catch up

I don't know how I got so far behind on my blog, so here is a little back tracking:) Carter turned one Dec. 14th. I really cannot believe how fast the year went. We just love and adore this little guys so much. Brigitte's birthday is the 12th and so they got to celebrate their birthdays together. Jonathan's parents were able to come and so it was a fun family evening. Carter was very unsure of all the attention. He did enjoy the frosting on his cake, but he did this while eyeing everyone with a very serious look. My pictures turned out grainy and not very good so that is why there is a collage:)

And then Christmas. Jonathan was able to take three weeks off for Christmas and we LOVED every minute of it. We were able to go to the gym together in the mornings, he was able to surprise Rylee by showing up to read to her school class, I got to help out with Rylee's school Christmas party, we got to watch Gavin's school musical performance (even though Gavin hid behind the bleachers:), We went to the botanical gardens to see lights, we drove around to see the houses on the Tacky Lights Tour, Rylee and I went to the Nutcracker Ballet, Jonathan and Gavin saw the Polar Express at the Imax, we went to see the live Nativity at the Richmond zoo (always a favorite:), we had some wonderful friends over for a Christmas Eve party, Jonathan was able to sign his contract for our first job in Indiana, and we played, played, played!!!!! The kids got some wonderful presents and we really had an amazing Christmas. It is my favorite time of the year. I love that people and generally more kind and compassionate. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ, I know that He lives! One last thing, we got a big kick out of our kids Christmas letters this year so I am posting them:)

Rylee: Ipad, blanket, doll bed, princess fishing pole, hot chocolate, a giant TV, sewing machine, princess hiking boots, a piano and makeup (yes she is 7)

Gavin: excavator, helicopter, truck that carries cars, legos, pizza, gold fish crackers, hiking boots, vacuum (me: "why?" Gavin: "to get all the bacteria out of our carpet."), carpet cleaner, the movie "fighter jets in America" (me: "Is that a real movie?" Gavin: "I don't know but you'll find it."), a high speed train that goes by itself, and a sewing machine:)

I sure do love these muchkins!!!!!