Christmas with the Wood Clan

19 of us. Only one was missing. We gathered at my sister's house for great food, a lot of laughs, and time together. Both new babies were here, and we all enjoyed watching the little ones together.

Christmas Morning

Christmas jammies. Raspberry breakfast braid. Nerf wars. Family. It was a fabulous Christmas morning, even if my parents weren't expecting us!

Christmas Surprise

First we told Annie about a big Christmas adventure.

Then we got in a car and drove through mountains and snow for three days.

And then we pulled off the "mother" of all Christmas surprises for my parents.

A Visit with Santa

Power of the King

Another highlight of fifth grade is getting a drama role in the Sunday School program. This year, the theme was a 70's radio station without power on Christmas Eve. Dayna got the role of Jan Brody, a church choir director.

Annie got into the fun as well with the preschoolers. What she was doing, exactly, with her fingers is another story.

Fifth Grade Band and Choir Concert

Fifth grade already! Dayna was ready to go with her very first band concert. Her choir teacher also asked her to accompany one of their songs on the cello. It was truly an afternoon for Dayna to shine!

 

 

Bill

So heartwarming to see Annie so at ease with her new friend Bill at church today. She doesn't do well with strangers, and Bill is a very special man who is exceptionally outgoing. He is one of many friendly faces in our church's special needs ministry. Exuberance like Bill's often causes great anxiety in Annie. I expected her to be uncomfortable, and instead, she followed him for a good fifteen minutes around the foyer. One of our church elders was able to catch this picture for us.