As usual, the few weeks before Christmas brought many fun times. Viola returned for the Holidays and we had Nathalia to share them with as well. Beth was home for a couple of weeks from Samford and stayed through Christmas. It was strange not having Dow home for the long college break. This is his first year to be out of school and working during the Holidays.
Of course we went to the Living Christmas Tree which for me marks the beginning of the Christmas celebration! Milla Kaye Pearson (a friend of Hope's) went with us this year and then we ate at Newks. Nathalia got to see it too. Viola was so excited to take her and she loved it!
Mrs. Shan had a playdate with Hope and they made the coolest gingerbread cake! Even monogrammed! Viola's parents sent us a special box with an assortment of authentic German gingerbread! The box will always be a part of our Christmas decorations.
Will's class sang at John Knox assisted living again this year. Will played Silent Night and even played along with the class. This was the first time he had played while someone sang along.
We spent a day with Mimi Payne while Andy was in Haiti. We had smores (microwave) for an afternoon snack with her. They were delicious and Mother's first ones! Beth was able to join us since she had just finished her exams at Samford and Dow drove up from B'ham so Mother got to see all of our kids. We also got a little time with Aunt JoJo!
The kids had lots of fun on the last day of school with their parties, playing games, and receiving sweet gifts from their teachers!
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| Mrs. Shan and Hope - these two have a special bond! |
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| Hope with her monogrammed Gingerbread House |
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| The 2nd and 3rd grade classes at Eastwood about to sing at John Knox |
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| Will playing Silent Night |
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| Kids with special Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Givens |
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| Hope with 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Markwell |
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| Lena with 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Duggar |
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| The girls with 2nd grade teacher, Ms. Ford |
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| The kids with Eastwood's Headmaster, Mr. Geiger |
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| Will, Hope and Lena eating smores at Mimi Paynes |
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| All the kids with Mimi Payne |
As someone who has just become an adoptive father, it's great to read about the lives of other adoptive families. It's given me some really interesting insights into the journey ahead. Thanks for sharing!
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