Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve before I went to bed I stared in awe at the beauty of lights and thankful to be home

 

Always an adventure…

Our way home was an adventure we will never forget. We woke up for our 9:40am flight from John Wayne Airport to SeaTac on Friday, December 23rd. Hearts and luggage full of memories created. Our flight was delayed a few times and then we boarded at 1:15pm…sat on the airplane while SeaTac prepared for our arrival. At 2:15pm our flight was cancelled. My heat sank (as I sure everyone’s did), tears were shed and huge disappointment. We prepared for plan B. Bill had said earlier in the day if the flight was cancelled then we would drive the 17 hours (1,182 miles) home. Bill was able to secure online the last SUV Hertz had. Off we went through L.A. traffic and spent the night in Sacramento. Up early on Christmas Eve and away we drove the rest of the way home. Thank you Audiobook for all three Zero G books by Dan Wells.  

Mount Shasta

Unexpected road trip+more family bonding=Adventure 

For movie night we ordered pizza and watched, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” Harrison and Lewis filled the family room with loads of laughter!  

A little bit more Harrison and Lewis in Disneyland

 

Our family is filled to the brim with love, laughter and intense personalities

Oh how my love overflows for Harrison and Lewis 

All things Star Wars is simply the BEST! 

Even though the boys are 12 and 7 years old, behaviors don’t magically change without diapers, bottles, bag filled with snacks, etc. Something to keep in mind for future travels (Disneyland or not). Thankful for our community of support giving me reminders of taking breaks (despite H and L ages). Lewis and I enjoyed taking a break on day 3 while Harrison and Bill rode more rides. 

Disneyland at Christmas

 

It’s a Small World was incredibly decorated…we skipped the ride this year. 

So many lights=such beauty 

Simply magical 

Disneyland day 3 and 4

Star Tours in Tomorrowland was Lewis’s favorite ride 

While Lewis and Mommy took a rest, Harrison and Daddy rode more rides and encountered a Stormtrooper. 

The wait for any Star Wars ride = always worth it! 

Disneyland bound, day 1 and 2

I love the excitement through Harrison and Lewis’s eyes…and the love of Star Wars 

Radiator Springs never gets old. I especially have a soft spot for Radiator Springs and the memories we have created over the years. Our first trip to Disneyland was February 2013 with Bill’s parents, sister and brother in law. Mater was Harrisons absolute favorite toy and we lost count how many times we watched Cars. 

Winter Show “Home is where the heart is”

My momma heart melted and tears filled my eyes when Lewis took down his wrapping paper to reveal his house painting. 

Rocket launch

Lewis was so excited to launch his rocket at school today, after being sick all last week. 

Our first snow

Snowball for the car ride to throw out the window…oh my Lewis!

Loving the flurries after OT today. 

Brother silliness

Bill and I sat back while they put ornaments on the tree. No evening is complete without a little goofiness. 

 

Santa train

 

We started this tradition when Harrison and continue to experience the fun and magic of Christmas. Lewis was pretty excited to try on a conductor hat. 

Lewis discovers the skate park

I loved watching Lewis’s confidence building 

 

Movie making brothers

 

Reconnecting

 

Reconnecting last week with my dear friend Laura was amazing for my soul. We biked, ate lots of great food, shopped, prayed, attended a women’s conference and soaked in the fall sunshine.

Laura is my spiritual soul sister. She entered my life days after moving to India, God knew we both needed friendship. We spent nearly two years seeing each other weekly, Harrison played with her two boys while we talked. What started as friendship has grown into family.

Thank you Laura and David for letting me visit and be part of your week. I look forward to our next reconnecting time.

Science

Love Lewis completing a science experiment in his Halloween costume at school!

 

Halloween

 

What Minecraft fan doesn’t love a huge Enderman?! Every year we have been going to Philadelphia Church for their pumpkin party! This year didn’t disappoint. 

Literally the only Halloween picture of Harrison…He is a villain from a movie script he is writing.  

We sure love friends! It’s especially sweet when we can see our friends despite going to different schools. Ryan and Lewis have been friends since pre 3’s preschool class.

Mt. St. Helens

Harrison rocked his first 7th grade overnight. Last week they camped two nights near Mount St. Helens. Great memories created!

Nagel Halloween

It is a BIG deal for us! I never thought I was Halloween crazy…until we had Harrison and Lewis. These two boys go all in with their ideas and imagination. Stay tuned for costumes as we near October 31st. 

 

Current reading

Mind blowing goodness as we learn more about how amazing minds work. I am reminded that it is never too late to read, educate and inspire ourselves and kids 

 

Philadelphia Church women’s retreat

Homestead trail isn’t complete without an old car 

The bridge was high with soft spots and shaky boards…I made it across and it reminds me of my emotions perfectly.

I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new ladies. Three churches came together for a weekend away.