Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year!  I just love celebrating this season with family.  James started to understand some of the meaning of Christmas.  We taught him all about Baby Jesus, Mary, and the story of His birth.  We went and saw the Live Nativity at church and taught him all about the animals at the manger (he liked the baby goat and the donkey the best). 

 James also helped decorate a little for Christmas.  

We discussed our Elf on the Shelf named "Red" as well as Santa Claus bringing presents just like the Wise Men brought presents to Jesus.  

James even had his first white Christmas! 

 I think one lesson he really received and took to heart was that of love and family.  We've so enjoyed having family in our home this year, filling our house with joy and warmth. 

 

James and Pops

 

James, Daddy and the pugs catching a snooze after opening presents.

Christmas Dinner 

 

James and Charlie 

 

With Uncle Trey

Helping Aunt Amy open presents

The 3 James: James Patrick (Cousin J.P.), James Edwin, and James Rex (Grumps)

 We are so truly blessed and we thank God for all of our precious family.  

"Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  - Luke 2:10-12

Trick or Treat!

Okay, so I am incredibly late on this and already have my Christmas decorations on my blog and the Christmas season on my brain.  I just love holidays!  I love that we have three good holidays back to back starting with Halloween and ending with the best, Christmas!  Here is a little of what we were up to during Halloween.

Our church had a wonderful Trunk-or-Treat for all the kids.  James was a perfect skunk (smell and all--ha!).  Since it was raining, we had to hold it indoors in the Children's wing.  Our Sunday School class (dressed as Cowboys and Indians) took over one classroom and passed out candy to the kids.  It was so busy!  James was intimidated at first, but understood quickly to say "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you".  He liked the "wah-wee-pops" the best.  

We decided to go neighborhood Trick-or-Treating in Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood with Cousin Charlie before trying 2-3 homes in our neighborhood.  Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood is nice and small, so they had all the kids gathered at a block party and then people stood on their front porches to hand out candy to the kids.  It was perfect for James!  Charlie and James really stocked up on candy!

Watch out!  His tail is up!

James the Skunk and Charlie the Dino

Playing Chase

My Happy Boy!

 

We had to have a little photo shoot on the front porch too.  He is occasionally figuring out how to smile at a camera without squinting his eyes closed.  

Saying "cheese"!

Say "candy"!

My guys 

 Very blessed!