the night(s) before christmas.

It was a sweet, yet busy, Advent season as we prepared our hearts for the birth of our Savior. Between pictures, preparing for our move, play dates, school, shopping, and holiday must-dos and sees, I needed a heart check. And received a heart shift. In the week leading up to Christmas, I was able to pause, look back, and look forward, making room for Him. TIme spent with my family in Georgia was just what this tired mama needed. The kids and I left on Monday and spent the next few days with my parents. We took the kids to the Ritz to see the gingerbread house and train, baked cookies, Brooks and I went on a special mommy-son date to the movies to see Alvin and the Chipmunks, and we played and laughed, laughed and played. John joined us Wednesday night, and the rest of the Semanson clan arrived on Christmas Eve. We attempted a church service (had to leave), exchanged gifts with our cousins, then went to the country club for dinner. The highlight of Brooks' trip, was the John Deere Gator Nanie and Pop Pop gifted him. He is big stuff, now!

Goodbyes are always hard, but we wanted the babies to experience Christmas morning in true Christmas morning fashion, so we left early the next morning and made the trek back to Birmingham. More on Christmas day to come!