DECEMBER IN PICTURES

Here's what kept me from blogging all month.  Lots of good times of family and ministry all tangled up in winter and celebration.

A VISIT TO SANTA: This time, only 3 are sincerely believing that this guy fills stockings.  I told Tyler the truth this year.  He had the same response as his brother.  His biggest hang up was that he knew we couldn't afford what he got, so he was sure Santa must be real.  Big hugs come when my kids realize they had fun and that we saved up for them.

BLACK AND WHITE: We had our annual semi-formal Christmas Party this year with several bands, a comedy team, some grub... and plenty of laughter.  The place and the students came dressed to the nine.  Great way to spend Christmas with the students who came.  This year, we tried to make it a bit of a fundraiser for kids around the world that we sponsor.  Super fun night.  Very thankful for our volunteers.

DADDY DATE TO THE DEL: I took my daughter Becky to the Hotel Del for our first ever daddy date.  Almost one year to the day that her adoption paperwork was finalized.  We got dressed up and I took her for hot chocolate and pizza and soup and then mom took her to see the Nut Cracker with her brothers.  Love me this pretty little girl. 

CHRISTMAS WITH MY SISTER AND HER FAMILY: It's been several years since we got to spend a few days with Alisha and Brad and the cousins.  So good.  We spent a day at Sea World thanks to some generous friends and went on our first ever dinner to Ruth Chris as couples that night.  The following day was family pictures and church and dinner at home. Christmas day we spent some time at our house, caught a movie, and ate dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  Super fun few days.

A FEW DAYS AT BIG BEAR: This year we celebrated Ty's birthday in the snow again as he turned 11.  One day of snow play, 2 nights in a rented cabin, and a day on the slopes made for an amazing family bonding time.  Dang we had a good time. Our tribe is officially ridiculously blessed. Woo hoo for cold white stuff and God's protection while we were playing in it.