First Christmas

After seeing all the great pictures on everyone else's blogs, I'm long past due for our Christmas. Of course we're not quite done with Christmas yet. We still get one more party in St. Charles next weekend!
Our trip to Wisconsin was great. We were so excited to see everyone. We spent our time shopping, playing with Aunts and Uncles, and my favorite...decorating cookies! We were so happy to spend time as the whole family. Chad and Erin have some great picture on their blogs...check em out. (the links are on the right)
Kendra managed to bring her own set of memories for this Christmas. First there was Friday night where she shared her perspective of being in our clan. You'll have to take my word fir it when I tell you many of us were crying like little girls. Then there was Christmas morning. After practicing the Christmas skit with her and Ben, we decided we were ready for performing for the message. The early service went great with one small mistake..."hello, it's Christmas...er winter". Now it may not seem like much but her reaction after that service and the next one reminded me of Sally from Peanuts, "Hockeystick? All they wanted me to say was Hark! But I said Hockeystick!" Don't worry, no one even noticed.
Luke slept through most of Christmas Day gift opening (like Uncle Ben!) When he did wake up there were just enough gifts for him to hold the center of attention while he "opened" them.
We spent New Year's at home with a house full of old Concordia friends. Congrats to Chad and Anna. Can't wait for the wedding. And blessings in April to Steve and Kim. We can't wait to meet baby Peterson. For the rest of you who made it to our house on New Year's Eve, thanks for helping us ring in this new life we have here in Matteson.

That's the details....and now the pictures...