Sharing Some Late Holiday Pictures

Dennis, Molly, Daniel and myself.

Dennis and I were very blessed to be able to be home for the holidays recently.  We had a wonderful time with the family.

We were building a beautiful gingerbread village!!  Look how cute Amy and Keira are with their matching dresses.

We were tickled to be able to go to Keira's school Christmas party.  The little ones stood up and sang songs for all of us.  Well, at least those who remembered the words and weren't running around the room.  Keira did great!

The teachers were wonderful.  They had the students make little plates with the children's hand prints and baby Jesus on them.  (Just a little note here about my hair...Yes it is way too short.  One of the kids in the village told me not to be worried that it would grow back.  Most of the time they kind of scrunch up their noses and ask me why I cut it.  This time is was not exactly what I had envisioned when I asked my hairdresser to make it a little shorter around the ears.)

This is Mary and Gary Merrill.  While visiting with us last year, they had gotten close to one of our girls at the school.  So that young lady drew pictures and collected things to give them as a Christmas gift.  It was precious to see the collection of items that she gave them.

Before we left Buena Vista we had most of the students sign a big Christmas card for Greater Life Church.  This is Pastor Jamie, Amy, his wife and Katie their daughter.  And, yes, that's my husband Dennis behind them.

One of my favorite things to do is spend time in the kitchen with Keira.  I don't even remember all the pumpkin recipes we made.  I can't wait for Benaiah and Aela to get old enough to join us.

We were at church for the annual Christmas program this year!  None of our grand kids are in this one but it is adorable!  It is good to remember that all over the world this still happens in spite of those who don't care for Christmas!

So, now the montage of family holiday pictures.  This is what we normally get when we try for family photos.  I love them!!

Both of our girls looked good in this one, but Daniel and Keira looked the wrong way and Benaiah was clearly getting tired of the whole thing.

This is by far, my favorite.  The only one who did well was Memory.  I am not sure that Amy and Memory knew what they were getting into when they became a part of the Lucas Family!

While we were home we didn't get to see Aela and Benaiah as much as we wanted to because they were sick, which of course, then made Ben sick also.  We were, however, thrilled to be able to be at Aela's First Birthday!  Even though it was a little early, she said that we needed to be there.

Grandpa and Aela

One of my favorite pictures of Benaiah the Dino Trainer!

He is not even afraid to put his finger in the dinosaur's mouth!

Our friend Mike from church playing with Aela and the dinosaurs.

Memory painted the dinos pink and purple!  It looked great with the green decorations!

Of course, big brother had to help open gifts!

We were laughing because Aela received three of the same present.  But, she loved them all!!

And then there was the birthday cake/cup cakes!!!

Best picture ever!!!

It is always so good to go home and be with the kids and our church family.  We had a wonderful visit.  Truly amazing how time flies!!!  We didn't get any snow, it was actually in the 70's when we first arrived.  But by the time we left it started to get a little chilly.  

Sorry this is so late.  We hit the ground running when we got back to Belize!  Really missing everybody!

Love you guys!