Christmas!

Since we were unable to make it home for Christmas, as we had planned, we had to start/continue some family traditions of our own here in Florida. Despite the 80' temps, we still managed to get in the Christmas spirit. On Christmas Eve morning, we attended church at the Crossing, and the message and music were fabulous, as usual. The best part- Avery didn't get kicked out of the nursery. :)

Avery later helped Phil make sugar cookies so we would have some to leave for Santa with his milk. He really got into using the cookie cutters but also enjoyed playing in/sampling the flour.

Avery got to open a few out of town gifts before bed. He loved his animal tracks from Rachel and his UofL "duck" from Uncle Luke and Aunt Alison.

Cookies and milk for Santa...treats for the reindeer

We ended the night by reading The Night Before Christmas and The First Christmas during our breathing treatment.

Avery opening his stocking. Warning- a little long. :)

We had a really nice Christmas Day. Phil made french toast and we opened our gifts...at 5:30am. Sigh. Avery liked opening his presents, but he'd get distracted and forget there was more to open. I think his favorite was a cheapo bouncy ball that I put in his stocking. At least it wasn't wrapping paper or anything. ;)

After presents we had to make the house look presentable and do some cooking. We had about 15 people over for dinner (those of us from Phil's squadron that were stranded in Tampa for the holiday), and Phil's fried turkey got rave reviews. There was also ham, potatoes, green beans, broccoli salad, strawberry pretzel jello salad, pineapple casserole, bread, deviled eggs, and lots of dessert. Everything was yummy, and it was really nice to spend Christmas with so many friends. I got to use all of our wedding china, silver, and crystal, which is a rarity. Avery had a blast playing with Madi and Faith Merrill and his new puppet theater, as well as rough housing with all the guys.

Although we missed being with family, it was a great Christmas. We are so thankful this holiday season and throughout the year for the most precious gift of all, Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the season, after all.