Merry Christmas!

We had a great week and hope all our family and friends did too. I know we're way behind on pics - I'm going to try to get us caught up this week!

The boys have been good about telling me about things they are thankful for including Christmas, that mommy and daddy take care of us, that we have plenty of clean water to drink, etc. even though I have not been as good about posting it.

Reese had a very sweet, low-key first Christmas. She ran a little fever - we're not sure why. She did get over it quickly. She got some great outfits, some great shoes, and some great bows! We can't wait to see her in all the precious new clothes!!

The boys had a good Christmas too. To catch everyone up, last Monday Luke fell on something (we're not sure what) in the playroom. I kept trying to wipe the blood away so I could look at the cut, then realized I was looking at it. It was more of a gash in his face, below his nose down into his lip, which required 6 stitches. There was much to be thankful for - the timing was great because our doctor's office was still open and we didn't have to go to the ER, my aunt and uncle and cousins were here so Aunt Lori chauffeured Luke and Reese and me to the doctor and Uncle Robert stayed here with the other kids, David was out of town for a funeral but called as we were in route and knew what was going on, we got to the doctor and they (seemingly miraculously) knew who we were and what we needed as soon as we walked in the door (turns out that David was in the car with our nurse's husband and he called to let her know we were coming!), Luke was exhausted, and while the anesthetic was terribly painful for him (and for me to witness) he was soon pain free and actually slept through the stitches. He is healing nicely and will have the stitches removed on Monday morning. All this to say - the beautiful Christmas pictures I envisioned look much different than I expected, but are no less beautiful to us. We are so thankful for this sweet boy's (somewhat crooked) little smile and so thankful that it wasn't any worse. We've been very fortunate to have only had close calls until now, and with two very active little boys, we're thinking this may not be the last serious injury we endure. (Although I'm praying it is!)

The boys got bikes from Santa for Christmas, plus a month of martial arts classes, batman laptops, bike helmets and knee and elbow pads, ninja turtle figures and assault gear (thanks aunt tiff!), star wars action figures, light sabers, play-doh, magic kits, money, etc. They definitely had a good time, and we've got two celebrations to go!

The last few days have been spent with family and friends and we are looking forward to more of the same next week! Love and warm wishes to all of you!