December Sunshine

This is the kind of December we have been enjoying!

So mild and even sunshine...

The picture above was taken on the 15th - what would have been Dad's 93rd birthday.

We are all so grateful that he is celebrating in heaven this year. 

I'm sure that no one is happier than he is about that!

I spent that morning wrapping gifts so they would be tucked into their stockings by the time the kids arrived.

I managed to get a little remnant of my old 1980's "mini church" together for a Christmas party.

Such precious friends.

Seeing how their kids are growing is a real time marker.

Sandra was a babysitter for Daniel when he was about 3 and here is her sweet daughter having fun with a Gingerbread house. 

Mom tends to get a little bit disoriented when I have company over.  I think it's hard for her to follow the conversations and she's not always completely sure about who is sitting at the table, probably due to her diminished eyesight.

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It's always a big thrill when Daniel and Nicole arrive for the holidays.

Leo was introduced to Oma but he was feeling a little shy.

He was a lot more excited about the budgies! 

Kind of like a live TV program running at all times...

We decided it was a good idea to keep the cage door closed during Leo's stay.

It's such a cozy season and there are so many sweet reunions that happen as we all gather for Christmas.

It was so fun to see Daniel and Jeremy catching up on news. 

Nicole helped me to get the gift bags put together for the tenants at our apartment.

It's fun to imagine them bringing joy to someone who is possibly having a lonely Christmas.

There was a games night with a few good friends.

Becca came to spend an early Christmas with us which was really special too.

And lots of other cozy Christmas scenes.

Warmth and light in the darkness!