Merry Christmas to all....and to all an Exceedingly Restful Full Night of Uniterrupted Sleep

It has been brought to our attention that many people we love did not receive our Christmas Card (not even my parents) So, lest you worry that you have been blacklisted.....take heart...Canada Post is holding them hostage somewhere in the abyss of Christmas mail....or we will find them between the seats in the van sometime this summer.

 
A full night of uninterrupted sleep. The elusive beast of the night of every parent of young children. Well, perhaps not of those who "claim" to have children who bestow on them such a gift. Although, I may have my own theories as to whether such children actually exists. All jests aside, through blurry eyes and in a caffeine induced state of awareness we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas from our nation's beautiful capital city.

This sweet boy is learning all about the winter. 

 

   The last couple month have brought a greater sense of settling into our new environment. While we have been building immune systems like crazy we have been blessed with temporary family doctor for our family for which we are so grateful. Little man E has been training his immune system with especial rigor and being able to avoid the long waits in a variety of walk in clinics has saved our sanity. The bigs in our family just wrapped up skating and swimming lessons and AWANA and Classical Conversations have gone into holiday break. Both T and I have wrapped up our classes and tried our best to not pity the students who are not auditing as they went into exam week. Been there, done that...now we are just the "old" people showing up to learn for fun :-)

We have been enjoying the Art Gallery. They have fantastic programs for kids.

All done skating lessons. Ready to rock on the Canal.

   Christmas Season has entered our home and we have been enjoying exploring what Ottawa has to offer for Christmas fun. We attended a fantastic (although slightly chilly) light parade. Both T and I looked at each other eyes wide when the golf cart toting the sign declaring that it was responsible for floats 75-100 drove by. Yup, it was a big one :-) We been eating way too much candy, decorating cookies, and trying our best to keep Christmas presents hidden. We were able to celebrate St. Nicholas day with Grandma and Grandpa this year. Mom and Dad were even able to sneak out for a spa day as Grandma and Grandpa braved the Ehmann 4. All survived, although Mom and Dad looked and felt much more rested after their day. A whole day at a spa....ladies and gentlemen....there were areas where no talking or whispering were only allowed. I can't even remember the last time we spent a day in quiet. A WHOLE DAY! We are so thankful for Grandparents that allow this to happen.
   Half way through our adventure we are trying not to be consumed by the thought of returning home. We have been blessed with the opportunity to reflect on the last years of practice, life and family and are privileged to be able to take the time to think and pray about God's leading in the years ahead. Sometimes it feels overwhelming but there are more and more moments when it feels more like an adventure. We are trying our best to be open to the Lord's leading.