Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was wonderful as we enjoyed some family time and opened our Christmas gifts. Sometimes when I look at pictures like these, I am reminded at the priceless gifts I've already been given by the one we celebrate this morning. Thank you Jesus for family.

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A glimpse at one gift.

A Sternberg Celebration

Thursday evening we gathered with the Sternbergs to celebrate Christmas. What can we say? It's always a "hoot" (We love you mom!).

Uncle Mike helps Claire learn the art of unwrapping presents.

Kelsey brought the kids gifts from Honduras. They were a hit!

And she made some cute and crafty new bibs for Baby.

The girls in their purple pajamas.

...and Andrew, too, of course.

Friday evening, Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Kelsey came with us to Madison's Christmas Eve service. Claire is dressed and ready to go.

We're Bringing it Back...

Christmas Caroling

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Monday evening, eleven of us gathered with our song sheets to walk our neighborhood in hopes of reviving what has sadly become a lost art -- Christmas Caroling. While we sang to many a door knob, we also found a handful of participants who really seemed grateful for our efforts, and that made it truly worth it.

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Though we weren't wildly successful, we had a blast.

Claire enjoyed it as well.

Afterwards, we came back to our house for some warm cocoa and cookies.

...and of course, some friendly competition.

Nash Family Christmas

On Sunday, Uncle Ron & Aunt Julie Holtrop hosted the Nash family party.

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Here we have "great Aunt" Linda giving me a squeeze.

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Great Grandpa & Grandma Nash love me lots.

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Grandpa and Grandma Rosen and Aunt Linda are good at making me smile.

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How fun is this!? Just like Hezekiah. (2 Kings 20:20)

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I learned Avery likes jumping around as much as I do.

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At the present time, please allow me to present my present.

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Uncle Pauly, Part II

Uncle Pauly was back in town for Thanksgiving, and we're so glad he was. We love having him here. Claire especially loves how he reads her favorite books with such imagination and enthusiasm.

To see a picture of Claire with Paul the last time he visited, click on the link below. It's amazing to see how she's changed in just 5 months.

http://thepuplisfamily.blogspot.com/2010/06/pauly.html

Shop 'N Hop

Last night we went to Eastown for the annual Shop 'N Hop, which is where the stores open with special sales, but more importantly, yummy appetizers. We walked from store to store, browsing and snacking, then finished off the evening with a trolley ride.

Claire spots Santa at Van's Pastry Shop

Welcome Winter!