Minor Flooding

After a long period of drought, we've gotten a little relief with some good rains.  This one was so good, the drains clogged up!

Water-loving Naomi couldn't resist the urge to run through the massive puddles barefoot, in her tights, with her characteristic enthusiasm for life!  Meanwhile, the men of the family supervised the unclogging of the drain.

Grandma's Visit

 I got a treat for my birthday... my mom came to visit!  Grandma was kept hopping for the visit, making carrot cake, having tea parties, going shopping, visiting the Children's Museum, and much more!

Just a little more Christmas

After Christmas it was time to take Grandma and Grandpa back to the airport, with a little stop for pecans along the way.  This giant squirrel was just asking for us to pose for a picture with it!

 We continued our gingerbread house making tradition with Ellie and Margaret.

Ezra takes any opportunity to get a friend to read a book to him by grabbing his book and backing into their lap - inviting them to read to him!

And Christmas cookie making technically happened after Christmas this year... but hey, anytime is a good time to eat cookies, right?

More From Christmas Day

 After church, Naomi read the Christmas story to us this year, using her new reading skills.

 We opened gifts...

 ... and later enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner. 

What a blessing it was to have Christmas together with Grandma and Grandpa Boaz!

Merry Christmas!

Ezra's Dedication

 It has been such a joy to dedicate each of our kids to the Lord, and Grandpa Boaz has been the pastor who helped us with each one.  So while Grandpa was visiting for Christmas, it was Ezra's turn!

Christmas Morning

 Everyone's still waking up... Even Daddy's new Angry Birds pants weren't enough to rouse these sleepy heads.

 Waiting for the big moment - opening the stockings!

 JJ opened his first.

Ezra got a little help with his.

Naomi wanted to wait to open hers last.

We love our Christmas stockings!