our little family Christmas

We decided not to do gifts this year, but somehow Santa still pulled through for us - this year he used a greyhound from Lloydminster:) Thank you mom and dad K - we had a lot of fun opening our box of goods!

We had a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas with the Babies

I worked over Christmas - we made the best of our time with the babies - I work with some amazing ladies!

We were spoiled by our charge nurse and unit clerk - they provided us with an AMAZING brunch!

Our unit clerk, Mrs. Clause, handing out the gifts to the babies and families.

just some happy nurses!

we did a little gift card exchange/game in the afternoon

Merry Christmas - love the Abby NICU!

Celebrating Jesus Birthday

We drove home from Seattle on Christmas Eve just in time to see Menno play Jesus in the Christmas Eve service - he did a GREAT job!

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. " - Luke 2:6-7a

"Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased" - Luke 2:14

"They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was a baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherd told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child." - Luke 2: 16-17

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Surprise!

While in South Carolina we received a text and a facebook saying that Dan needed to talk to us about some EXCITING news! Once we got Dan on the phone we learned that Dan and Hailey were ENGAGED! Here are some pics of our reaction.

Congratulations Dan and Hailey!!!

A Southern Christmas

After New York we made our way down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for Christmas and a Trouten family reunion. It was great to meet and see everyone! We also enjoyed an apartment/condo on the beach. It was a great time!

Christmas dinner with Grandpa Trouten and Auntie Donna.

Family pictures on the beach.

Nathan treated us all to a mirror maze in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Family pictures #2.

You cannot travel to the ocean and not go for a swim. So we did...and it was COLD!

On our last day in Myrtle Beach we were enjoying a nice lunch at Chick-Fil-A (delicious) and Santa made an appearance. What a treat.

NYC

This Christmas Sarah and I had the chance to spend a little time in New York City on our way to South Carolina. While NYC is a magical place, even more so at Christmas time. The entire city is decorated for the season and is hustling and bustling.

Times Square.

Sarah and I fulfilled a dream of hers by taking a carriage ride through Central Park.

St. Patricks cathedral.

Sarah and the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree.

We got to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in its Christmas Spectacular. This show also included Santa Clause as MC and a fantastic nativity scene complete with three live camels. It was very impressive.

Times Square at night. It comes alive.

Empire State Building.

Macy's was absolutely crazy with people everywhere.

We also got to take in Mary Poppins. This show was full of the classic songs, some new ones, amazing sets, and a flying Mary Poppins that flew all the way up to us in the second balcony.

Sseko Sandals

For those of you that have not finished your Christmas shopping yet - I have the PERFECT gift idea for you - Sseko sandals!!! In giving this gift you are helping to send women to university in Uganda. See www.ssekodesigns.com for more info on this great company!

I just received my sandals in the mail and they are even more wonderful than I could have imagined!!!

The base of these sandals is very typical to the sandals we saw when we lived in Uganda. The unique part of these shoes is the straps. You can buy an assortment of straps and change colors as often as outfits:)

The other beautiful part of these sandals is that they can change style as often or as creative as you are feeling.

Twinkle Tour 2010

Last week we loaded up the jeep, cranked the Christmas tunes and headed out on our 2010 twinkle tour. There was a lot of driving, some impressive houses and some not so impressive, we enjoyed our time though and had good company.

After our tour, we headed home for some treats and a Christmas movie.

Menno slept through the entire twinkle tour and woke up to play when we got home.

Christmas Treats!

Love watching Christmas movies by the light of the Christmas tree!

Girls day in B'Ham

This past week we had a little reunion with Kristin, Ruthie and myself. When we were in university we use to take little day trips down to Bellingham - the tradition continued this past week. We all met up and went for a wonderful lunch followed by pedicures. It was so fun to be able to spend time together and get caught up on life face to face.

It was pouting rain when we were saying good-bye - it was tricky to get a good pic of the three of us, inside the jeep, before we parted ways.

Quality woman - I am so thankful for their continued friendship over the years. I am blessed!

Hockey Night In Canada

Sunday night was Matt's volleyball Christmas. There was supper at his coaches house and then all the boys went off to play hockey at a local rink. Imagine a team of volleyball boys with skates on - Matt had a great time, but was exhausted after and very sore the next day!

Matt & Phil

The 2010 CBC Bearcats!