Pilgrims at Oak Ridge

We had our family Christmas tonight since we are heading to the airport around breakfast tomorrow. It was great - the kids loved the gifts and looked adorable in their matching jammies.

All the trip preparations have been leaving me rather stressed - trying to get packed with clean laundry and have the house clean has been a lot to do on top of working every day this week to make up for the time I'm missing next week. I know it will all be worth it when we are with our family, but today I feel like the last two days have basically consisted of me being grumpy with my kids, cleaning, laundry, and more cleaning. And the house still feels messy. Sigh. But after naps today I took a little break to play. We broke out some new sidewalk chalk, and Ezra earned his spot as a sous chef in our play kitchen. I made noodles and peas for dinner, which no one whined about, so I'd say the day ended on an upswing. The first photo was shot by Judah. And is easily better than any other picture I took today. (except maybe for this last one. Cause, I mean, those blue eyes.)

Things aren't always beautiful around here. These two pictures sort of sum up my day, if you throw in several hours of taking care of newborn babies and hospitalized children. I am really looking forward to vacation.

We were in the nursery today, and I had never noticed how nice the light gets in there, with a big translucent window. We are thankful for some new members at church and another baby baptism today.

 Our church might be small, but we know how to throw a good party.

I can't believe my girl is three. I am thankful for this girl, what she brings to our family, and all the ways she stretches me as a mom.

There are so many things I want to remember, like the way his cute toes curl under his booster seat tray during dinner.

Homemade hot cocoa - a favorite after school snack.

She wanted to mail a letter.

The Observatory is on our very short list of things we always take visitors to do, especially if they have just a short time with us. It offers great views of the city, beautiful architecture, and is free. Yesterday was really cold and windy, but super clear; we could see all the way to the port in the very south part of the city, which we have never been able to do before. Prior to our excursion, the kindergarteners at Judah's school did a nativity play, which was adorable.

In case anyone wondered, Ikea has some lovely Christmas decorations. I actually bought these last year, but didn't realize batteries weren't included. Thankfully, when I went back this year to see the new stuff, I remember I needed some and now these beauties are lighting up our house.

Yesterday we went back to one of the most scenic hikes we have done around here: Point Mugu, right next the to Pacific Coast Highway. It's short enough to do with kids (even young ones) but long enough to get somewhere beautiful.