Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays to all of our friends and family!
Last night we spent the evening with our friends the Schoenwiesners, where I think we all learned a new tradition or two. Starting off with champagne and appetizers at their house, moving onto the UU Church service, then at our house for home-made pizza, stories and games.
Kaija was dressed for the occasion in her footie pj’s, shades, necklace she had made at Miki’s b’day party, and her backpack full of goodies. The Diva always knows what to wear for any occasion! She is loving the tea set that the Schoenwiesner’s gave her last night – we’re about to float away with all the tea we’ve drunk today – with milk and sugar of course.
Steve Schoenwiesner and Courtney were ushers, while all the girls sat together trying to follow the songs in the hymn book. . . Courtney did take out time from his ushering job to become part of the human nativity scene that the kids do each year. (Kaija didn’t like all the attention, it wasn’t a scheduled photo op, and came back to sit with me, while Daddy held up the roof.) Kaija was the photographer of that picture. 🙂
This morning, Kaija woke up and saw that Santa had put goodies in her stocking. She tried to figure out how he did it – and “I guess he’s just magic . . .” The rest of the day, we all stayed in our pj’s and relaxed (I even got a nap!). We also made our Christmas cookies – with sprinkles and icing. It was so nice to just be together and not worry about anything that needed to be done, and just play.
Tonight, we are going to light the first candle on the Menorah that Kaija made in school. She’s so excited to be doing it at home. Kaija’s been counting down with her Hanukkah count-down chain (and of course her chocolate Advent calendar, too).
To all of our friends and family, much love and wishes for a happy holiday, whatever your traditions and beliefs may be. Know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers.
May this coming year bring the peace that the holiday season speaks of to all of us!
Much love,
The Allens
PS Check out the photo of Courtney in his new footie pj’s!
It was wonderful to spend the evening with you. I feel like you are a new part of our family. I think this is the warmest and relaxing Christmas I’ve spent in memory. I loved sharing our favorite books. I got to take a nap today too! And I have to say, Courney, you look great in footie PJ’s why didn’t you wear them to church? I have a couple of pictures too – can I upload them to this? What a cool family journal!
Love, Lianne