December happenings

 We decided on one of Michael's free Sundays that we would head out to chop our tree down.  Too bad it just so happened to be 14 degrees that day.  The girls and I were pretty miserable but it made for a fun memory. 

 Kirby even made it but just added to the crazy. 

We got our tree home and for the second year in a row realized we (and by we I mean Michael)  ;) forgot to ask them to drill the hole in the bottom for our stand.  After a couple of broken and stuck drill bits, this is what we ended up with. It was the year of the leaning tree.  

 That same weekend we made our visit to Santa.   Luke takes after his daddy and is such a planner.  He knew he wanted a double lightsaber for Christmas for months so he drew his request and brought it to the jolly man.  

 We've created some snow bunnies living up here in the tundra

Snowy swinging

 Luke took a couple of ski lessons at a small skiing hill not far from our house.   It was perfect to get his skiing legs back before we headed out to Telluride after Christmas.  

Every year that we've been here the rehab hospital in town hosts a Christmas party for their pediatric patients. The orthopaedic residents dress up as (somewhat bizarre) animals, and Christmas characters to help with the fun.   The patients of the hospital are the "stars" of the show but our kids get to participate too.  Luke thinks it's hilarious to see dad dressed as a raccoon, the girls on the other hand are quite terrified.    I had to get a picture of our last year.  

 I got to fly back to Texas for a quick weekend to be a part of one of my best friend's wedding.   Katie was a stunning bride and it was such an honor to be a part of her and Adam's wedding day.

Luke and Langley had their school Christmas program and both did great.  I was a little unsure whether Langley would actually stay up on stage but she did.  She didn't sing a single word but I was proud of her for not crying. 

 Our motley crew just hanging at home one morning of the break.   

 Michael hosted his annual pheasant hunt again.   It was extra cold and snowy compared to last year but they had their most successful hunt ever.  I wasn't too sad to miss out this year.  Brrrr.  

Post Thanksgiving in Texas

We were so happy to be able to fly back to the Woodlands the day after Thanksgiving to see the whole Merrick clan.

Our happy traveler.  Don't let this fool you.  She is a force to be reckoned with on airplanes. 

 Langley was pretty smitten with baby Emma.  She hardly left her side.  :)  

 Kendall and Papa enjoyed the tiny room

We had a little photoshoot in the backyard one afternoon 

 When did he get so big?  He turns 6 tomorrow!  Rip my heart out already.  

 Nana and Papa with all of their grandkids

 The whole crew.  Kendall was less than thrilled at this point.

And one with Nanny and Granddad too! 

 Later that day Nana treated Langley to a trip to the American Girl store to pick out her Christmas presents.  I tagged along and it was quite an experience.  

I didn't take enough pictures of the time we had with my side of the family, but we did get over to see Great Grandaddy.  

What a fun visit home.

Have you seen this?

I can't help but post this video during this season of waiting and anticipation of our Savior's birth.    This has been my favorite Christmas song this year and every time I have watched the video I have been moved to tears.  I pray this strikes a chord with you as well.  

"Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod.  About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him."  Matt. 2:1-2

Some more catching up

 We had our annual Halloween party at our house

We went with another family theme.  Can you guess who was the most excited? 

Cutest little Yoda I have ever seen

Our precious bunch of friends

These sweet boys have been buddies since they were one and two.  Makes me teary just looking at this one.  

How awesome are these friends?  The best!  Michael was quite pleased with the 100% costume participation.   

Since then….

Luke went on his first hunt with Daddy 

Feeling tough in the blind

Success!

Mom took a turn too.  Date night hunting.  Sat in the blind and froze my butt off for a couple hours then got to pick a nice restaurant.  :) 

DeeDee came for a quick visit.  We were so thankful!  

It's been snowing!!  

My snow bunnies are going to miss the snow.

Then we had Thanksgiving with some really great friends.  

:)

 Carving her up

Decorating the kids table

 The "adult" table

 Friday after Thanksgiving we headed to Texas but that needs it's own post. 

Sweet visitors

In mid-October (how was that already almost two months ago?) Lisa, Daniel, and Noah came to see us!  We were thrilled that Daniel had a certification course for work up here, and thankfully Lisa and Noah got to come too.   Although it certainly wasn't how we hoped or planned their visit would go, the timing of it was a huge blessing because we found out I had miscarried Miles a couple days in.   It was so great to have help with the kids, sweet family support, and even a happy distraction during such a hard time.   

We definitely had some fun during their stay too...

S'mores time

 love Noah's face in this one.

Car rides are more fun with cousins

 We made it out to our favorite orchard one morning…

 sweet sweet fam

 Daniel was a good sport ;)

 Sisters.  Couldn't be more thankful for all she did for us during this trip!  

"A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecc. 4:12