CAT | Winter
We’ve been having an abundance of snow the last few weeks here in Northern IL. Grant and Norah have been enjoying playtime in the snow and we’ve been able to go sledding a few times at the “big hill”.
Having fun on the playset
It was really snowing!
Norah facing downhill, Grant facing uphill.
Before we hit the slope.
Grant had fun pushing Norah on the sled.
Finally! They can walk up the hill and carry the sled themselves! Hallelujah!
It can be easy to get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas that we miss the joy and hope that this season is supposed to bring. One of the things we decided to do last year was to consciously scale down the Christmas gift giving and keep it simple. We (and the kids) already have so much and sometimes we just feel silly trying to find space for yet another toy when there are so many people who have trouble meeting their basic needs. This year we were all about more Christ, less mess.
Spurred by an idea Kate heard from a good friend, the kids each got 3 gifts like baby Jesus. They are usually pretty good about not wanting much anyway, so it was fun to watch them open their gifts on Christmas morning and see the excitement in their eyes. As for gifts for others, we made homemade Orange Marmalade, Apple Caramel Jam, and shortbread cookies. It was a lot of fun to work on making the gifts instead of buying them.
The kids woke up later than usual on Christmas morning (Miracles DO Happen!)
Our perennially happy Audrey
Grant decided that he should “pose” with his new GeoTrax set.
We got Norah a chest full of dress-up clothes. This is one of the outfits.
This is probably Grant’s favorite gift. He saw this helicopter at Costco a few months ago and could hardly believe his eyes when he unwrapped it on Christmas morning. One of the day’s highlights for sure.
The table, set for Christmas dinner.
Uncle Jerid, Auntie Em, and Kennah at dinner.
The Petro Family Christmas
Aunt Jaime picked a GREAT White Elephant gift from the pile!
Aunt Annie made some rockin’ cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
30 hours for train videos. wow. Not sure life gets any better for a young boy who LOVES trains.
I love how this picture captures the motion and the moment.
Norah had quite a bit of fun with this bow. She’ can be quite the goofball!
Norah, loving on Aunt Jaime.
I like the perspective on this shot.
Bear even came down to visit from MN!
Hannah Gray wrapped up in her new blanket from Aunt Jaime.
Audrey thought her blanket was tasty!
Hannah Gray signing “thank you”. She’s a sweetie!
Norah and her doll in their new matching jammies Nana made.
Grant works on putting the easel together with Papa.
Auntie Annie had fun putting every single hair clip and bow in Norah’s hair.
Homemade ice cream sandwiches. Mmmm.
I love this picture. It looks so peaceful and calm, with no hint of the frenzy that is to come.
