Winter Wonderland...

Alan and I are like kids in a candy store...We thought that the snow flurries we had over Thanksgiving was all we would see until after Christmas and then...
Thursday night we had the first big snow storm of the season and we awoke Friday morning to a winter wonderland...about 4-5 inches of snow, school cancellations and hot chocolate brewing. Winter hit with a furry...we have had snow, freezing rain, and cancellations every day since then. It has been so long since we have experienced this type of winter...we are loving it! Oak is in wonder, too, as he looks around at the bright white snow with the sun reflecting and feels the cold on his face. Of course, the first thing I wanted to do on Friday was take him sledding, but everyone seemed to think I was crazy and that he is too little still...we'll see...
On Saturday, my parents held their annual Christmas tree party for their clients. So, Alan and my brother trudged around in the snow and 10 degree weather helping people cut down their Christmas trees, while mom, dad, Oak, and I talked with people and stayed warm by the heater. We also cut down our first Christmas tree as a family and spent yesterday decorating for Christmas.
Alan and I love this time of year...It is the season in which we celebrate the greatest gift, God's son. Everything about the Christmas season reminds us of how thankful we are for that gift. We love to start playing our Christmas music, decorate, and snuggle up with hot chocolate by the lights of the Christmas tree. This year seems extra special since we now have Oak as part of our family to celebrate with. He is one gift that we are so thankful for this year. We marvel as we snuggle together with him in his snowman PJ's, in the dark, by the Christmas tree, with snow glistening outside the window and watch his eyes light up with all of the colors, lights, and sounds of Christmas...oh the wonder...
We hope the beginning of your Christmas season brings peace, joy, and wonder to you...