Gift #390- Birthday Twins!

Happy 8th Birthday Sam and Macy!  We started your day with donuts shaped like 8's  and eating from the Red Plate!  We ended with Kikutei, presents, and Baskin Robins Ice Cream cake!  It was a wonderful day.  Both of you said that you actually did feel a little bit older.  Don't get too much older!  I would miss your little gapped-teeth smiles.  

Gift #389- A Rockin' New Years Eve

Happy 2014!

Emma, Erin, Macy, Emerald, and Sam

This year, we had some of Macy's friends over for a New Year's eve bash.  They played Dance Party and ate junk food until midnight!  They toasted in the New Year with sparkling cider in champagne glasses.  It was a happy way to ring in 2014!

Gift #388- Christmas Morning

I think that this might be my favorite time of the day on Christmas.  I love to wake up, pour some coffee and think on the reason that we are celebrating.  I always read The Story even though I could quote it line for line.  But there is always something new that reveals itself or speaks to me.  God is so amazing like that- the way He unpacks truths little by little or just when you need them the most.  I love the anticipation of this moment.  I love thinking about the kids excitement as they see what Santa brought.  I wish that it could last and last.

But I also love this moment...

When it is all said and done and the kids are out playing with their new toys and the wait is over.  This was the part of the day when my dad would pull out the rake and rake the living room floor clean.  I never really understood that until I became a parent!  Genius!  This year we made things easy on ourselves and went out to dinner.  We went to Jan Jaka's, a Korean style BBQ restaurant.  We had a great time together.  Another wonderful Christmas for the Thomas family.

Gift #387- Exterior Illumination

I think that my love for exterior illumination comes honestly from my dad!  There was a Christmas or two when our house looked very Griswold-ish.  And I loved it.  I think that we might have even drum-rolled when it was time to light em' up!  I love having those memories.

Freedom Square.  Each year there is a tree lighting ceremony here in the square.  There is music and prizes and hot chocolate.  It has a good feel!  Everyone counts down together from 10 to watch the tree light up.  It makes me happy just thinking about it!

This is the jet that is parked at the entrance of the base.  They light it up each year complete with a bright red nose!

This is one of our favorite Christmas decorations-  Santa on a jet!