Christmas 2012

We spread Christmas out during the whole month of December. It was good to be able to have so much family time.

Early in the month we had a get-together with the Halls while Chris and Beth were in town (they couldn't come at Christmas time because Finley will be here soon and the doctor wouldn't let Beth venture that far away from home). 

It was good to be all (almost) together. We were only missing a few this time! As our clan expands, it's harder to get everyone together at the same time. But we'll take what we can get. ;) I so look forward to Heaven and never having to say Good-bye.

Josh was spoiled with a board game, several books, and lots of attention.

(Most of) the Hall Family

In the middle of the month, we went to Gasburg to have Christmas. Josh was super excited to see Jackson and Holton open their gifts from him. He got them bath toys (they're a little young for that yet, but he was insistent on those toys for them). As usual, the babies were more occupied with the paper than the gifts and it was fun to watch them grab at everything. 

Josh was given a "merote" (remote control) firetruck, a family membership to the Marbles Museum, a watch (he can get on and off all by himself!), new clothes, a drill, and a work bench (which keeps him busy for hours!). 

Happy Grammy and her fellas

Work bench (some assembly required) ;)

Holton opening presents

Jackson is excited about gifts!

Merote firetruck!

Daddy & Matt handled the clean-up (and apparently couldn't find a bigger trash bag....)

Jackson got an excersaucer (also some assembly required!)

The Hand Clan

We headed up to Yorktown for a few days during Christmas. It was good to visit with David's Mom, sister and Gram for a few days. We hadn't been there since late August and Josh had grown 2.5 inches since then! No wonder I've been having to replace his pants! We lazed around Saturday and Claire made her famous stroganoff for dinner. It was delicious, as always. 

We attended church with some friends from college, the Van Buskirk's, on Sunday and went out for lunch with them afterward. It was good to have a quick visit with them and I love seeing our two boys together. :) (I remember sitting in the hallway of the dorm with Jenn talking about how our kids would play together and I'm so glad the Lord saw fit for them to be able to.)

Josh & Nate

We got a chance to stop by the beach for a few minutes Sunday evening. Josh had asked to go to the beach the week before and I was sad to tell him it was too far. :( 

 

We had the opportunity to spend some time on the Naval Base, too. It was awesome and since we kept it a secret from Josh he was surprised when we got out to look at the helicopters and planes. We even got to go aboard the USS Kearsarge. I didn't take enough photos but here are a few. (I also apologize for not remembering enough info to explain the photos.)

We all felt so tiny next to the helicopters.

USS New York. As a special tribute to the people who died on Sept 11, the bow stem is cast from 7.5 tons of steel recovered from the World Trade Center.

  

We had a good family get together at Gram's house on Christmas Eve and went riding around to see some Christmas lights one evening. David and I went on a date while Josh and G'ma made cookies for Santa. 

Leaving out Santa's cookies.

Taste-testing Santa's cookies...

The loot Santa left

A new Bible (It's awesome, y'all...go get it!)

This HUGE stocking from G'ma held a soccer goal, soccer ball, shin guards, and soccer socks.

A marshmallow shooter!

Josh pretended his marshmallow shooter was a snorkel. ;)

We came back home Christmas Day since David had to work the next day. Josh and I made an impromptu trip to Eden/Patrick Springs to see the Greats up there. We came home Thursday and spend the day at Marbles with Lauren & Davis on Friday. 

It was a busy week but we enjoyed all of it! I pray your Christmas was a blessing filled as ours.