THE most wonderful time of the year.

I'm feeling a little bit "blue" today and couldn't quite put my finger on it, until I realized this is a yearly thing for me. The Christmas season is over... a new year has begun... yet I find myself still wishing there was a rewind button to re-do the last 4 weeks. 

December 1st came and Tyler took the day off of work... we had just gotten home from a trip to Iowa the night before and he decided to use a vacation day to recover. We had breakfast and prayed together, kicking off the Advent season the right way. The rest of the day we spent decorating for Christmas... we went and picked out a tree, the boys picked out their ornaments, and our favorite season was underway.

Other highlights from December include...

We really had one of the most meaningful Christmas' I can remember this year, and I think the reason for it was our time spent focusing on Advent with the boys. We talked a lot about WHY we celebrate Christmas... such a treat for a parent to feel like their kids are really starting to 'get' it. 

Each morning we read our Advent devotional, followed by prayer, and then the boys took turns opening a 'set' from the Lego Advent calendar. So much fun! 

The Tuesday before Christmas we left for my parents house... it was our year to spend Christmas with my side, and as always, it was an amazing and meaningful time spent with them. 

We always laugh A LOT... eat so much goodness... and play games until wee early hours of the morning. 

The boys were worried about Santa knowing they were at Grandpa & Grandma's, but good ole Santa... he knows everything. :)

Christmas morning with my boys!

Later that day we went hiking... it wasn't a white Christmas, but still a beautiful one. Felt so good to be outdoors!

We came home and geared up for Christmas with Tyler's family... they drove down from Iowa and spent 5 days with us! It was so fun for me to host and have a reason to decorate a table, ha! It's the little things in life, people!

We spent our days enjoying each others company... playing games, relaxing, and of course eating way too many sweets! 

So grateful for our families and the relationships we have... the memories made... and most of all, the gift that was given to us 2000 years ago. Such hope we find in HIM!

Hope your Christmas season was just as amazing!