Round Lake & Fireworks

The next morning we all wanted to get out for some fresh air. Round Lake is the perfect option - long enough with a couple good hills to get moving - but not too long that the kiddos can't do it. Plus there is a playground at the end which is always the prize :)

Starting out. . .

Up the hill. . .

Down the hill . . .

The kids really enjoyed throwing rocks in the lake. Pop pop prevented Isaiah from tumbling in - which we appreciated!

 

The rest of the day was spent resting, napping, lounging - all those types of words. I know, I know - we are a rowdy bunch. We did break out some fireworks since it was new year's eve (is it really?!? where did this year go?!?) The kids enjoyed that for a little bit then I think the "booms" got scary. So they were all done.

ahh. . . real, high flying fireworks that are legal in WA state. so pretty - and our dogs hate them!

Isaiah thought they were pretty cool - until the loud boom. Then he buried his face in Elliott's chest.

 

Katie and Lu watched most of them from inside.

 The rest of the night we spent partying away - err, well, we watched a movie and went to bed - before 12 pm. Sheesh :) But it was a great night!

Downing Christmas

Christmas morning at the Downing house! The kids wasted no time opening presents - and it was so fun seeing both of the excited about their gifts (and sometimes each other's gifts :) ) They were blessed with lots of great toys, learning tools, books, and even wool pillows (thank you, thank you!)

Cars. Isaiah is all boy and loves anything like cars, planes, helicopters, boats, balls, tools and anything he can bang on! Thanks gaugie and pop pop for the perfect gift!

We tried to pace them so they wouldn't get so overwhelmed. It kind of worked. Somewhere in there we had a great breakfast, more gifts for the kids and naps.

This is a board game for young kids. Isaiah can already play it and it's so fun having a game to play as a family!

 

Elliott handmade a high chair for a doll we got for Lucy. It turned out great!

There is always time to read a new book!

 While the kids were sleeping the adults lounged and exchanged gifts. We draw names each year and it makes it super fun to see the creativity of each gift - the gift always reflects both the receiver and the giver (isn't that just like the gifts God gives us? They represent His character and work in our lives!) There were a number of handmade gifts this year that were so special. I have never seen Steve cry but this family tree from Katie got him. It was awesome!

Later in the afternoon Grandma and Grandpa Downing and Auntie Su came over. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and playing games. (It must have been relaxing . . .Isaiah never did make it out of his PJ's)

 

 

 

As the day wrapped up, Elliott and I felt incredibly blessed. Yes, by the gifts, but more so for God's abundant provision in our lives, for the family he has given us, and for the time to rest. We also reflect each day on the gift we celebrate at Christmas - Jesus. What a truly wondrous event that God himself stepped down into our mess that we could be reconciled to Him. It baffles me. And I am grateful.

Airport Run & Tim's Birthday

After quiet mornings at home, that afternoon we headed to the airport to pick up Debbie. Steve had been missing her for 6 long weeks and was probably the most excited out of all of us. :) He had flowers for the kids to give Debbie and we waited by the gate with the sign the kiddos had colored last night. I am not sure Isaiah "got it" but Lucy knew grandmom was coming and was quite antsy to see her.

Doesn't Lucy look so cute and so big in her outfit?!?

Isaiah wasn't quite sure what to do with the flowers.

 After hugs, both kids wanted to hold grandmom's hand - so off they went to get her bags.

Waiting for bags. . .

 Once bags and people were loaded in cars, it was off to Steve and Debbie's. We were going to join the festivities and stay up there for the next few days. That way Isaiah's early bed time would not prevent us from hanging out with Tim & Katie. We had delicious thai food to celebrate Tim's birthday. Then the kiddos took bath. Isaiah loved having a friend in the tub with him. :)

 

 

Once both little ones were in bed, Tim opened his gift and we ate cheesecake.

 

Us adult kids were even allowed to open a couple stocking gifts since this was our "Christmas Eve". Then it was off to bed for all of us!

Cousin Time

Today was a restful day. Just hanging around the house. Lots of helicopter flying (or chop-chop fly as Isaiah says it). Games. And snuggles.

Here is my attempt to fly the helicopter. See how hard I was thinking - it was much harder than it looks and the littlest air current (think open vent or someone breathing hard) would send it into a tail spin. You can fly them for about 10 minutes before they need to charge again. So there was lots of downtime in between flying.

We also managed to start a game of Ticket to Ride Europe while kiddos were sleeping. Isaiah caught the tail end of our game and helped uncle Tim.

 

The kids did a fabulous job playing together. Lots of cars. Lots of books. Lots of running. It was so cute watching them!

 

 

And of course - we snuck in a little bit more flying. Isaiah had to be with an adult - or it scared him. By the end of the week, though he was dictating flight patterns. :)

 

After dinner, the kids worked on a sign to welcome home grandmom (who was still in Chicago). She'd be back tomorrow afternoon, just in time for our Christmas celebration.

 

Then it was home for us and off to bed for everyone!

Tim, Katie, & Lucy Here!

We were so excited to see Tim, Katie and Lucy! We hadn't seen the girls since Sept, and hadn't seen Tim since last Christmas! It was a quiet evening - some dinner and brief catch up time before calling it an evening. However, Tim did reveal one little surprise - remote controlled helicopters for the boys. This would be a source of entertainment for the remainder of their time here. They were super fun!

Facing Forward

We finally did it. We flipped Isaiah around. He happily sat facing backwards, having no idea what he was missing. But now that he is forward facing, he is one excited boy. He sees every truck, bus and big vehicle that goes by . . . and yells at them all (usually the color and then what it is . . .although most everything gets called a bi' t'uck (big truck)). He also says "whee" going up and down hills. It's really fun. His first adventure ride was going to the farm with daddy to pick up our milk. Mama got to sleep in and spend time with Jesus. It was a good morning.

Christmas

Christmas day was very relaxed for us. Lots of sweet family time. We had a few gifts to open, which was super fun because Isaiah "got it" this year. He would yell "bow off" for everything and would actually enthusiastically tear into the paper. It was great watching his little expressions. We paced ourselves - and spread the few gifts we did out. It gave Isaiah more time to look at, and enjoy the things he got.

 

Homemade felt boards and shapes.

Helping daddy open his gift.

We made our favorite breakfast casserole along with some gluten-free cream-cheese frosted butternut squash muffins.

Afterwards we did a couple more gifts before nap. Isaiah (and daddy) loved this toolbox. It's probably his most used item in the house.Thank you dear friends for the incredibly thoughtful gift!

 

Isaiah also got a nutcracker that he was fascinated with. Notice his open mouth in the picture below imitating the nutcracker. :)

 

During nap, Elliott and I got our dinner going. Steve joined us. Debbie was still in Chicago with Paul, Emily, Elaia and their new member - Emmaus (baby ma-us is what Isaiah calls him). After nap, we tried to get a good picture of Isaiah by the tree. We took lots and lots, many with eyes closed. Some as he was running off. And finally this one. Does it not look like he's saying "sheesh parents. give it up!"

Out came our turkey. It was carved up and placed next to sauteed green beans, sweet potato & apple casserole, and cranberry sauce. Isaiah licked his tray :)

 

 

Then Isaiah combined toys. Of course the dominoes mom and dad made were meant to be hammered on. Isn't everything? And pop pop built him towers. I'll give you one guess what happened to it. :)

 

 

 

We are incredibly thankful we have so many things to be grateful for. Most of all, we are thankful for a day to reflect on and celebrate the coming of Jesus. He left heaven, gave up everything to be with His people. As a result, our lives are changed. Our hearts our changed. Our eternity is changed. As said before, we are grateful.