Christmas High Lights

We have had a sweet Christmas.  Busy hustle and bustle has shifted to a slower pace of quiet snuggling mornings, no schedules (except for Mark working,) lots of pajama wearing and some organizing as we look toward the new year just around the corner.  There were so many precious moments I wanted to capture in this highlight post (and there will be LOTS of pics) but there are many more that can only be captured in our hearts... the girls anxious to give their sisters the long awaited secrets beneath the wrapping, the sweet prayers thanking God for His son who came as a baby after the announcement by the angels to the frightened shepherds, the laughter as we play as a family new games from under the tree.  It has been sweet for sure! 

 Piano Recitals

 crafts for gifts and fun

 small group annual kids Christmas and giving party

 Christmas at Grandma and Poppy's

 a white Christmas in deed!! a blast with cousins in the snow

 back home for a cozy family opening on Christmas Eve

 Christmas Eve we met up with Gran and Meeps at our church's Christmas Eve service and then headed out to dinner.

Christmas morning we finished up opening gifts and settled into just being.

Praying the sweet blessing of our Rescuer breaking into our world at Christmas will be reflected in how we live all through the New Year ahead!!

"best chef helper"

 The cake was made...

 the streamers were hung...

and oh did we have fun!

It was a wild day.  Mark had the day off so he joined us at coop for our sweet Christmas party. (I hope to post that some time soon, perhaps the week between Christmas and New Years.)  As soon as the afternoon portion of class was over it was time for another party.  Two families dear to us joined in on the marathon day as we met back up at Pump It Up to jump, climb and laugh!

 Even though this was so much fun, a sweet time for sure, it was not my absolute favorite" birthday time" with Mackenzie.   You see there has been a shift in birthday prep at our house...

Many nights preceding a birthday you could find me "burning the midnight oil" trying to get the a cake made, designed, pieced together and decorated before a birthday princess would wake to her special day.  Not this birthday.  Not for Mackenzie.  She has deemed herself "best chef helper" in  our house.  If I am baking she is centered on the kitchen island ready to help (and sample.)  

Several weeks ago she placed her order for her upcoming birthday cake.  "Mom, I want a cake that is wheat-free, soy-free, peanut-free and fruit peel free. I want Haleigh to be able to have it too!"

So Sunday evening it was time for my "best chef helper" to take her rightful place as we baked her birthday cake. 

 Together. 

Every step.

 This time was precious for me.  Watching amazed that my baby was turning five. 

That she has grown so much.  This last month I have caught myself just looking at her amazed at the quick shift that has taken me by surprise. 

Seeing this little girl, so full of character that she really can't contain it all.

Amazed at all she is. 

 Bright. Loving. Strong willed. Precious. Funny. Smart. Beautiful.

 

She has brought so much growth, love, laughter, and perspective into our home over the past five years.

Happy Birthday my best chef helper!