Christmas Celebrations - Week of Dec. 22nd

 The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicklaus soon would be there...

Oma and Opa arrived Christmas Eve day.  There was no snow in sight, but we were happy there were clear roads to drive on.
Cam was diagnosed with an ear infection the day before, but was in great spirits and feeling better.
We joined Emma, Meg, Sarah, Anna, Steve and Patti at the early church service for caroling and worship.   Emma sat next to Cam and Jane's favorite part of the service was Cam trying to sing "Silent Night."
After dining together eating Patti's delicious homemade chicken soup, it was time to head home to prepare.  Cameron picked out two cookies for the Santa plate and carrots for the reindeer.

Christmas morning, Cam awoke excited and anxious to see if Santa had eaten the cookies and taken the carrots!  Satisfied that the plate was sufficiently empty with just crumbs, we embarked on an unwrapping adventure.  Cam's one request from Santa was a big blue ball- one used for exercise to practice balance and also just to play on.  He screamed with pure delight when he found it.  Another favorite was a VW bus play tent, ready to test out with his buddy, Emma.  After all of the hustle and bustle, it felt good to relax and enjoy family time.  That evening, we took a tour of some elaborate lawn decorations for the holidays.

On Friday, the Weatherford family hosted the annual cousin family party and our best buddy from Chicago also arrived, 'Auntie' Karen.  The annual cousin party is pretty special because Santa actually makes a house call to see the younger cousins and pass out a couple more presents. While the kids are playing downstairs, they suddenly hear the jingle bells and know it's time for Santa to arrive.
This tradition has been in our extended family for more than 25 years!

We're thankful for Oma & Opa staying with us for a few days and being overly generous with their time and gifts.  We love that our friends are also family and we're able to share traditions and time with them.

Cam received many special gifts this year from near and far- many thanks to Grandma Sue, Grandma Mary, the Cornell Crew, the Schulzes, the Jellemas, Auntie Jo & Will, Auntie Karen, Leslie, Erin & Alison, and Alena.

From our family to yours, we hope you received more out of giving than getting, more out of being together than the planning that takes place to get there, and the most out of the giggles, laughter and love surrounding us all.