Christmas 2011...

Our holidays were wonderful. It was nice being in our home, with our own decorations put out. It was also really nice being with our family and friends and getting to enjoying the things we missed while in Mali.

We opened presents at my mom's a few days before Christmas. We had a great time and Zeke really enjoyed all the presents!!! Here's a few pics from our day:

Zeke figuring out how to open his presents. It didn't take him long!!

Zeke and one of his many gun sets. 

Neal, my sister's boyfriend, my sister, Autumn, Zeke, Me, and Arnett.

Christmas morning was full of fun. Arnett's parents, sister, and his niece spent the night with us. My parents, came over about 6:45am to make sure they didn't miss out on Zeke getting up and seeing his toys for the first time. He woke up about 7:30 and was a little overwhelmed. It didn't take him long to wake up and enjoy all his new toys.

The "what in the world is going on" face.                                The "what is this?" face.

 

Riding his new horse, Lucky. He loves this thing!!

Zeke and his new train table. Another thing he loves to play with!!

Back on Lucky, this time with my hat and gun!!

More presents...what's in it?

A baby horse, which he has named, baby Tia. Tia after his real horse!!

So serious!!

"Man, opening presents is hard work!! I'm tired!!"

Back on Lucky. "Who cares about the rest of my presents!!" Daddy opened them and let him open the boxes while he sat on Lucky!!

"Is that my very own tractor?"

"Yes, it is my very own tractor!!"

"I love my new tractor!!"

Arnett and I Christmas morning.

Our little cowboy.

Our little cowboy and his dog, Molly!

We are thankful that we are starting to feel a little bit more settled. Our debriefing we went to the beginning of the month was great. It was great to catch up with a few friends from Mali and spend time with people who are going through the same thing we are!! Zeke did great while we were away and it was nice to get away for a few days.

Nema Grace continues to grow and grow. We have a little less than 4 weeks to go before we hit our due date. At her last appointment, she and I both got great bills of health. We praise the Father for this and are so thankful that His hand is upon us. Please remember us as we prepare for her arrival and go from being a family of 3 to a family of 4. Pray that Zeke will do well going from an only child to being a big brother.

We pray that your Holidays were wonderful and wish you all many blessings for 2012. Until next time...