Merry Christmas!

Here's a quick reflection of the joy we've experienced this Christmas season.  As we've celebrated the light of Christ in our world, we've continued many annual traditions that are near and dear to our family.  In the above picture we are at one of our favorite Christmas spots -- The Lights of Christmas at Warm Beach.  The lights were amazing, and the girls enjoyed the petting zoo, pony rides, storytelling, and of course, the talking Christmas Tree.  Our favorite is the life-size nativity scene in the middle of the camp with the Hallelujah chorus playing.  

Another favorite activity is afternoon tea at the Queen Mary in Seattle.  This year I dined with two princesses (complete with tiaras) and my mom.  It is delightful to be there this time of year ... the food is amazing and the holiday decorations abound.  

Yet another family favorite is an evening downtown, visiting the carousel and riding a horse-drawn carriage through the Seattle, looking its Christmas best.  We do this every year with the same friends and it has become something to which we all look forward.

Other activities this year included visiting the Governor's Mansion in Olympia as it was all dressed up for the holidays, taking the monorail into downtown to see the Gingerbread villages at the Sheraton, going to the Nutcracker ballet, a day of ski lessons on the mountain for the kids and dad, and participating in our church Christmas concert.  We still hope to go ice skating at Seattle Center, make gingerbread houses, and visit Candy Cane Lane.  

This has been a truly blessed holiday season for our family.  As we await the arrival of our new little one, we also sit in the anticipation of advent.  Our hope is that we will catch a glimpse of God With Us this season.