It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

It's been so fun seeing Christmas through the eyes of a toddler this year.  She notices and understands so much!  Julia helped me decorate the tree this year.  She loves the tree and lights.  She also loves all the Christmas lights on our neighbor's house.  It's a nightly ritual now for her to look outside at night or sometimes we take a walk as a family since so many people in our neighborhood have lots of Christmas lights on their houses. 

We just bought the Big Picture Story Bible for Julia.  I highly recommend it.  http://www.crossway.org/books/the-big-picture-story-bible-hcj/
I am hoping that as we read this book to her and we get to the part about Jesus' birth, that she will be able to understand the big picture of why Jesus came to earth.  We look forward to helping her understand more and more about our precious Savior!

Here are some pictures of preparing for Christmas in our home.

Julia, all smiles, as she helps mommy decorate the tree

 

Julia decorating while Caleb watches - Caleb is happy as long as he can watch whatever we're doing.

 

My sweet boy, watching us decorate the tree

 

I took pictures of some of my favorite ornaments.  They are my favorites for different reasons.  This one is an obvious one - Julia's handprint from Christmas last year.  So tiny and precious!

 

Ethan and I got engaged on the top of the Empire State Building.  So, I bought this ornament as a souvenir to remember that special day.

 

A Philippine ornament given to me by my mom.

 

And what tree would be complete without a Starbucks mug?!

 

Before Julia was born, Ethan and I went on an Alaskan cruise.  What a special memory that is!

 

Last year for Christmas, I used a gift card to Pottery Barn to purchase 3 lanterns.  For a whole year, these lanterns were empty.  I finally bought candles and also bought berries to make them "Christmasy."  I am not very good at decorating so I was quite proud of myself to finally do something with them lanterns.  Love them!

 

Caleb, checking out the Christmas tree