I would like to completely avoid shopping this year for Christmas, not just stores but actually shopping. I wish that Christmas was similar to Thanksgiving. For turkey day we focus on the food and blessings. Christmas we could focus on the food and Christ. Some of my dear friends love to shop, are skilled at finding that perfect gift, have some system, whether it be a "want, need, and a read" or gifts that follow a "gold, frankincense, and myrrh" pattern. My frustration is not about a desire to avoid demonstrating love, it's about the organizational skills that I lack. So it's Ryan's turn this year... it's his turn to figure our how to do Christmas gifts this year, exactly the way I want them done, within a budget, with a smile, not going overboard, but doing enough to make it meaningful, with some form of equity between the kids, with their hopes and dreams coming true, whilst focusing on the real reason for the season. He's totally got it under control. (In reality, if Ryan were in charge, I'm sure he would have a different approach.)
My niece Emma put together an amazing scavenger hunt in a huge park (The Riperian Preserve in Gilbert, AZ.) Each adult was at a different location. The kids had clues to figure out about each person and they went to go find them to get their next clue. The little cousins were paired with a big cousin. It was epic. It took about 2 1/2 hours, which meant everyone got some good exercise and the kids slept soundly at night. 10 points to Emma!
What is an uncle for if not to turn Owen into a backpack?!
SO tired that now the younger cousin is carrying the older cousin.
At the finish line! Everyone got a little gift from Nana and Papa.
Party!
Shades.
Party pooper.
Deacons. Enough said.
Family shot.
My parents loving on their youngest grandson.
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