December. It's the Very Best

This little nugget of deliciousness came to visit us for the very first time (with my brother and his wife of course,) but LOOK at this kid.  Darling.  His name is Jackson James and I heart every bit of him.  We took them to the Santa train in Georgetown and had ALL the fun. 

  Rodolpho was still here for this outing.  We forced him to sit by Santa.  And to smile.  I think he loved it deep down.

Nana and Papa were here for a bit and thoroughly enjoyed their basement digs.  It's a dreamy place to stay I must admit.

Some of my favorites came to celebrate the season, "Flannel and Frost" style.  I adore the women in my world.  Every single one of them.

 

Around here, the day after Thanksgiving = Tree cutting day in our glorious mountains.  Mom and Dad were here to partake this year.  We cut down our favorite Charlie Brown to date.  Warms my heart these home grown trees.

We ended December with 7 sunshiny days in Florida.  That's to come - when I find time to ignore my kids for another hour.

A Little Nativity Action

Our church holds the bar rather high with our annual children's nativity.  The kids are decked out in traditional and perfectly quirky non-traditional garb and the parents watch in anticipation of whose kid will win for most unexpected behavior.  We've won many years in this category as you might imagine.  This year?  Dude won for bravery and awesomeness after he successfully sang two solos.  The video will show all the emotions that came along with this honor.  The entire congregation cheered him on and treated him like royalty.  It warmed our Christmas hearts.  Squirt's little black sheep nose was edible and she happily sang along this year.  Her confidence for public events like this continues to grow, which also warms our hearts.

Our church is pure magic at the holidays.  We decorate naturally, simply & in ways that calm the spirit.  They prove you don't have to spend excess money to create a welcoming place of worship.

Back to Fall

We rocked the Fall this year.  Lots of mountain tripping, hiking, pumpkin patching, hot cider drinking, jack-o-lantering, trick or treating, leaf diving....it's all just bliss for me.  Bliss.  

 He wasn't successful.  Much to his dismay and shock.

 How's THAT for an appropriate cabin match?

 When you're stuck in 400 square feet on a rainy mountain day....

 God.  Just plain God.

 Isn't he lovely?  

 Speaking of lovely, Denver was bomBARDED by butterflies this Fall.  Our butterfly bush sported a swarm for weeks.  Watch the video for evidence.

 Sometimes they allow each other the grace to be close enough to touch.  Doesn't happen often.  

 So much of this child's life is spent just like this.

 The Guatamala boys had never experienced leaves like this. 

 Carving large orange gourds?  This about put these boys over the edge.  The gagging and drama was too much.