Christmas Pageant

Our church decided to resurrect an old tradition of having a Christmas pageant this year. I think they did a great job of incorporating all ages of kids and youth. It was narrated by high schoolers, middle school youth were the principles, elementary school kids were the wise people, townspeople, and shepherds. And preschool-kinder kids were the sheep. This is the category into which Owen fell, and he had so much fun! I'll see if I can get some video posted at some point because it was classic as Owen belted out "Behold That Star" just a little louder and a little ahead of everyone else. Liz, the senior minister, told me afterward, "Owen stole the show." And at church the following Sunday she said with a chuckle, "People are still talking about your son." And to think that I thought there was a possibility that he would decide not to go on stage at all. Anyway, the pageant was great! All of the kids did such a great job!

Owen, Rachel, and Grace in the costume room

Owen getting his makeup on

During the pageant

After the pageant, we came home and lit the advent candles and put out treats for Santa.

Christmas Eve at Grandpa and Grandma's

As always, Christmas this year was VERY busy and VERY fun! We were nervous that all the snow in Portland would keep Britt, Pat, Rory, and Madi home. However, they endured a 5 1/2 hour car ride (yes, you read that correctly) from Portland to Corvallis on the 23rd, and we were so happy to have them in town for our traditional Christmas Eve celebration at Grandpa Stan and Grandma Linda's.

Quincy and Aunt Madi

Madi got the boys this great toy--it's kind of like a giant soft frisbee. Quincy especially loves it!

Owen and Quincy opening their trampoline from Grandpa and Grandma!

Owen didn't believe that the box contained a trampoline.

I love this picture of Rory chillin' on the chair at (almost) the end of presents.

Wait! There's one more present...

Grandpa Stan totally refurbished Britt's old dollhouse for Rory. He spent countless hours on it, and it's BEAUTIFUL!

All of the kids were excited about Rory's new dollhouse!

It was a really fun afternoon. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Snow Days

The Pacific Northwest was hit with some very uncharacteristic weather in the middle of December. Lots and LOTS of snow! Here in Corvallis during the week before Christmas vacation we had school canceled on Monday and Tuesday, had a late start Wednesday, a regular day Thursday, and then school canceled again on Friday. It was such a weird way to head into winter break. After our snow from that Friday disappeared, we just got a lot of rain. Salem, Portland, and points north all got dumped on for several more days. Here are some pics of the boys in the snow.