First of all, yikes! Has it really been so long since I last posted? Sorry to our family and friends, I guess we've been sucked into busyness lately, but I'm glad I've surfaced for a minute to share a few pictures and latest activities here. We made our very first Advent Calendar this year and I'm so glad we have. It has been such fun for the kids, oh ok and us, doing a special activity together as we count the days till Christmas. It has also been really important as we're in a place that doesn't particularly notice this very special of days--I think it helps give the kids that since of anticipation. The other cool thing about this little Advent Calendar is that it's about doing things together. We've sung many Christmas carols--especially "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (thankfully we have the muppet version of this song so it isn't as grating to the nerves!) We've made hot chocolate and cookies, we've read the story of St. Nicholas, and other Christmas books, and of course the story of the birth of Christ. We even attempted to make our own Christmas cards, this one was not as successful as I'd hoped, but oh well. One of my favorite activities so far was when we each shared about a favorite gift we had received--here's the kids:
Eldest son: Pup (Oh yes, he has six of these pups stuffed animals actually, but there is a definite favorite)
Eldest daughter: Daddy (someone's hoping for lots of gifts this Christmas!)
Youngest daughter: presents. When pressed for more specifics: books.
In other news, we might experience a record low tonight for this time of year: 50 degrees Fahrenheit. =)
Hope all of you are happy and well. Much joy to you all!
You wouldn't maybe know it to look at her, but little imp is sick with fever in this shot--we've all been sick again (except eldest son). I'm hoping we don't make illness a normal Christmas tradition, but it's been the norm thus far. 
