Merry CHRISTmas!

What a blessing to be near a child at Christmas-time....as we've begun to teach Avery the meaning and importance of Christmas, it has become even more real to us. To think that God sent His only son to live as an example for us, and to die so that we can be saved from our sin and live an abundant, eternal life....it's hard to grasp how One could love so much. But I'm so grateful that He does.

Here is a recap & highlight of some of our December celebration.

Avery's ballet class performed a dance to Rudolph; I was crying, smiling & laughing all at the same time. At the end of class, the Sugarplum Fairy came to dance & take pictures with the girls.

Steph made these t-shirts for the girls that say, "Future Sugarplum Fairy".

Mama Sarah & Papa Joel had us over with Halle & Lucas. With Katie, they created such a special morning for the kids - complete with stockings, dancing, playing w/ the dogs, and making cookies!

We celebrated Christmas early with Biggie & Grammie so that Kurt could be in town.

Kurt & his pilot-Santa bag.

Biggie's new hat.

Avery & Nat took a pre-Christmas trip to Dallas to visit friends and family.
First to McKinney to see the Eckenrodes. Avery with Madilyn and Emily Kate. These girls could be sisters.

We met with friends Tobyn, Emily, and their children for dinner. This was our first time to meet Tobyn's new son, Calvin. He is adorable and so sweet.

Calvin, Avery & Livy.We spent a day in Wills Point to visit with Avery's great-grandparents.
We found Avery climbing in a chair and pulling up to a newspaper to read just like her Grandaddy.

While with the "greats", Avery helped make finger-printed ornaments for family.

That night, it was back in Dallas for dinner with Desiree & Steph.

Avery & Mr. Travis with their matching Converse.

For the Mayo-family Christmas, we went to the Dallas Arboretum and then gathered for soup & dessert dinner. At the Arboretum, we ran into Rudolph...Avery performed her dance for him.

Cute picture of aunt Abby & uncle Pablo.

Best attempt at a timed family pic.

After returning home, we hopped right back in the car for our trip to Kerrville with Kurt's family. On the way, we continued our now 3-year tradition of stopping in Johnson City to enjoy their beautiful Christmas lights.

The town's Electric Company has every tree lit on their property. It's an amazing sight.

Looks best from the ground.

Avery and Mam decorated Christmas cookies. Yum!

Avery was a great helper on the grill.

Mam, Pap & Avery with her new scooter!
With cousins who she adores, Jackson & Luke.

Christmas-Eve morning, the Rissmillers & Oakleys came over for a quick visit.
Em with her handsome boys, Tucker & Colie.

Amber & Harper.

Hardly a good group pic (& missing Tucker), but it's the best we got.

The Children's Christmas Eve service at our church is such a joy for the children...and just as much for the parents:) We got there early to save seats, so Avery had a ball dancing & playing around.

Avery felt so special to sit by Jackson (& Kendall too). She followed him around all night.

Our annual Christmas Eve dinner with the Hiller & Slaughter families.

Avery & Kendall - 2 months apart.

Christmas morning! Happy Birthday Jesus!!
Avery got a super-cool baseball & glove from Tia Adrianna, uncle Pablo's mommy.

From Grammie & Biggie, she got a kitchen....which we had NO IDEA would take 5 hours to put together!

Good thing she loves it!

We are very thankful for our many friends & family who made this Christmas and the entire year a great one!