Happy Holidays

Our family has had a wonderful past few weeks, celebrating the holidays with friends and family!  Here a couple photos to highlight all we've done...

Park playdates with friends (Violet and Mya)

A trip with friends to the zoo!

Thanksgiving morning started with the Turkey Trot in downtown San Jose. Randy ran the 10K 

while Audrey walked the 5K with Grandpa Bruce.  

The kids continued work on the mural outside Grandma's window (the wall is the back of their neighbor's garage...kinda weird layout of lots in the neighborhood).

Even Isaiah got to draw/paint a bit!

Post-meal lounging on the couch (while watching the 49ers game).

Day after Thanksgiving...fun at the Tech Museum (making turkeys "fly")

Isaac had lots of fun in the robotics section of the museum.

Setting up the Christmas tree!

A new display on Christmas Tree Lane!

Probably the warmest evening to walk the Lane that I can recollect, and not very crowded since, I'm guessing, people stayed home because there was a chance of rain (which never materialized).  A great evening enjoying one of Fresno's treasured traditions!

Violet had a performance with the Manchester Mini-Melodies group. 

Isaiah did a great job singing with his 3/4-yr old's class the Sunday before Christmas. 

Pre-performance (thank goodness)

Violet sang a few songs with her class as well. 

Fancy party to celebrate with Randy's work colleagues

Sunday dinners are a tradition our family tries to keep year-round, but in December they are extra-special as we light our Advent candles and read from the Bible together, marking the days before Christmas.  

Christmas morning.

After a family breakfast, a reading of the Christmas story from the Bible, and some opening of presents, we headed over to Grandma Arlene's to enjoy the rest of the day with extended family.

Audrey reading the Christmas story all together.  

And a Grandma Arlene tradition, finishing the evening with a birthday cake for Jesus.

And another joy of the season...so wonderful when close friends that live far away come back!  I know they are always here to spend time with family so it is an extra special treat if I can sneak in just an hour or two!  

Allison (my college roommate) and I not only got to spend a quick hour over evening coffee, 

but a playdate with our gaggle of children as well!  What a beautiful bunch of blessings!  

And, for our final holiday celebration...