Merry Christmas 2010

These pictures were taken my my dear friend & neighbor Larissa.  (Dwell Photography by Larisssa)  So very thankful for her sharing her talent over the last few years with us! 

A Fun Early Christmas Visit

My Mom & Dad visited us second week in Dec for a week.

Joel had so much fun playing games with Grandpa Doug.

Etch-a-sketch from Great Grandpa & Grandma Neuharth.

"My baby!" is what Elianna said loudly and happily as she unwrapped this present from Great G & G!

All dressed up for John's command Christmas party!

We went to "The Lights of Christmas" at Warm Beach Christian Camp, near Stanwood.

Joel enjoyed his first cotton candy.  Elianna didn't care for it!  Surprising.

So beautiful!  And the weather wasn't too cold..a little drizzly though.

 

The kids & I with Grandpa

Joel loved the horse ride! 

Elianna too!

Joel made a button buzzer...here he is decorating it (spin art?)

horsing around and listening to some live country music

Hexbug Nano gift from G & G Neuharth & the aunties.

Grandma Susan really enjoyed her time with the grandkids=D

There were many presents to open from G & G and the aunties!

We met up with my Uncle Ken & Aunt Connie to eat & went to the 5th Avenue Theater to see "A Christmas Story".  I really enjoyed the musical and being in Seattle with family.  Can't wait until the kids are old enough to take them here!  I think I see a Mommy/Joel date in the near future=D

Christmas Decorating

taking out the ol tree--I think it's  8 years old now!  I got this at an Italian "Walmart" for our 2nd Christmas together married while stationed in Naples.

Daddy & Joel got the honors of putting up the angel tree topper

looks pretty good guys!

adding her special touch

having fun decorating

Wow, this was Mommy's ornament when she was little?!

working hard!

always having fun =D

goof'in around with garland!

and the stockings were hung...near the chimney with care!

look at their decorating! ya!  Mom did rearrange things at the end of all their artistic pursuits!

Gloriously decorated, Telenga style Christmas tree!

Our Thanksgiving

Daddy & Elianna waiting for the big feast to start!

Let the feasting begin!  The Suzios hosted & the Morrows joined us too!

The kid's table

Almost time to eat...

Our Thanksgiving started out white and cold; and I was very thankful the snow was all melted at the end of the day!  We celebrated Thanksgiving with some church friends this year since we couldn't be home with family.  It was nice that we could all bring a few dishes to share and keep the day stress-free.  I enjoyed making apple and pecan pie, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a layered salad.  Andrew & Mindy made 2 turkeys--one roasted and one deep fried!  Between the Morrow's, Suzio's and ourselves we had quite a feast!  The kids had so much fun watching Toy Story 3 and playing together...but by 7:30pm they were all tuckered out.  I'm looking forward to the day we can stay out a little later than 8pm with them and play board games and relax before hitting the road for home!  A few things I'm thankful for over the last year--John's promotion and getting to keep his job with hopes of retirement in 5 years, our good health, the freedom we enjoy, God's abundant blessings, and the great purpose we have as we raise our kids and minister to those God puts in our paths.

Snow Day Fun With Dad