Christmas Time

Last weekend we headed to Couer d'Alene, quite possibly my favorite overnight get away destination. It was really fun! It is pretty magical there during the Christmas season. Willem was out of his head with excitement. In fact the afternoon we arrived at the hotel I suggested to Willem and Merit that I could take them down to the Starbucks in the lobby and treat them to a hot cocoa. They were excited! We left the hotel room and these boys ran FULL SPEED to the elevator fighting over who would push the buttons. My kids and elevators... they really get jazzed up over them. Anyway, we got our hot cocoas with whip cream and headed back up to the room. Willem was hopping and leaping everywhere and accidentally swatted Merit's hot cocoa, his FULL hot cocoa, right out of his hands all over the elevator floor! I ran to the room grabbed a towel and cleaned up the mess. Willem felt bad, but honestly that child could hardly control himself. He said "BEST day EVER" about 8 times that day.

We went out for a delicious meal that night. Beverly's on the fifth floor is a pretty classy restaurant. The food was fantastic!

The "journey to the North Pole" boat ride was a highlight of the weekend.

oh the anticipation!

This time of year is busy and full and although Santa is so fun and a boat ride

to the North Pole a treat, but remembering the true REASON for the SEASON is so

important.

Sharing the awesome joy of Jesus' birthday is wonderful.

I love watching Hazel carefully pick up baby Jesus in the manger.

Isaiah 9:6,7 

6 For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.