The Tree Christmas

I cannot express how greatly the Lord blessed us when he guided us to our young adults/young families class about 5 years ago. We have grown more deeply with the Lord, with eachother in our marriage, and with an amazing group of people through this class. We have had some people come and go from the class, but each person has played a role and been a huge asset! We do life with these people - we learn, grow, are challenged, held accoutable, and enjoy get fellowship (and some great food!). Our annual Tree Christmas Party was once agian held at the Elliots (our faithful leaders)last weekend. I can't say enough about this family and the example that they set for us; we are blessed more than words can express by you as leaders! This night we had lots of good food, fellowship, and a friendly white elephant gift exchange. We ended up a little better this year with Sam grabbing a Starbucks giftcard. I unfortunitly gave away my gift of the night - a UT Nutcracker, no thank you!!!

Italian Christmas Feast

We had our third annual Christmas Dinner this past weekend. The Maenius' and Sam and I prepared an Italian Feast with all of the food we learned to cook in Italy. Various crostinis, prosciutto, cheese, and honey tray, bruschetta, caprese salad, lasagna, homemade arugula pesto pasta, cheesecake with whiskey sauce, and mini tiramisus. After dinner we had a gift exchange and then a fun night of karaoke!! What a blessing we have in each of these people!!

Thanksmas

This past weekend my family celebrated Thanksmas! A late Thanksgiving and early Christmas! We ate lots of yummy food, opened presents, rode the train to the North Pole, saw Santa, made Gingerbread houses (kind of), played some games, and spent lots of good quality time together! We are so blessed with amazing families on both sides and soak up every moment we are able to be together! We love you guys and had such a great weekend!

Attempt at family pics! Tripp had more fun looking at Pops than the camera!!

Meeting Santa on the train to the North Pole

Grancy (my mom) made Mia her very own set of customized dress up clothes. They are amazing...all the princesses, Dorothy, cheerleader, pirate, clown, cowgirl, wedding dress, etc. Sam then made the "closet" for it all to go in. I think Mia will spend hours enjoying all of it!!!

Decorating Gingerbread houses. It might not have lasted long, but was fun!

Presents!

Sweet boy Tripp...I just can't get enough of his sweet smiles. Such an easy-going, fun little guy!