our new home

go tell it on the mountain

It was so precious to see the preschoolers perform in the Christmas program last night.

Think cute kids dressed up, standing on rafters singing with motions and proud parents with cameras flashing at every note.

We picked our favorite before the show began:

elf mischief

I don't know who is having the most fun with this elf?

the kids or myself?

Houston, we have a bike rider...

One of Chris' goals during his time off before starting his new ministry was to teach Charlie to ride a bike.

Well, that didn't take long.

See ya, training wheels!

He's ready for his beach cruiser!

& so are we!

stella bella bo bella

Stella update!

She had a routine ECHO done yesterday and an appointment with the cardiologist who cleared her for g-tube placement surgery monday, so in my sister's words, "We can get rid of the elephant trunk NG tube!"

She's 8 months now. She (& her parents...) just spent a well-deserved vacation on Coronado Island. When she's not on vacation, she gets visits from three different therapists a week in her house (which I think is so convenient for my sis...) I notice improvements every time I see her!
I love her smiles. Her mom and YaYa can get her to smile for photo-taking in an instant!

*snow* much fun!

Our kids can't stop talking about how much fun sledding was up in Flagstaff.

I think sledding was enjoyed even more than the Polar Express!

I can't put my arms down!

When we put Ethan in his snow gear for sledding, I literally had to shake him to pull the snow bibs up and he could barely walk once in full gear. Chris & I couldn't get this scene from 'A Christmas Story' out of our heads because we were practically reliving it! Once, he got over the awkward walking, he had so much fun sledding... the only crying was when it was time to leave.

nutella hot chocolate

I found this recipe off pinterest and thought I'd give it a try.

It lived up to the description of DELICIOUSNESS.

It was a big hit with the whole family during Christmas devotions last night.

Nutella Hot Chocolate: 1 cup milk. 2 spoons nutella. Saucepan. Heat medium. Blend. Whisk frothy. DELICIOUSNESS.

all aboard!

We went to Williams, AZ with Chris' parents and sister to ride The Polar Express.

I've heard from so many people how wonderful this train ride is,

and I have to say it was pretty magical.

All the kids wore p.j.'s (and some adults.)

No adults in our group wore them (despite my attempts at persuasion...)

Chris was so jolly on the train ride that Santa even gave him a bell.

This boy loves cookies.

& this boy loves hot chocolate!

Holly & Sabra spreading Christmas cheer.

A view of The North Pole from our window.

Thanks, Santa!

Ethan was not-so-jolly once the train ride was over.

eLf on the sHeLf

We started the 'elf on the shelf' tradition this year.

Charlie named him 'Northie'.

In his words, "because he's from the North Pole."

It's only been two mornings so far, but they have loved searching for his hiding spot.

When they find him, Ethan screams and Charlie says, "How did he get there?"

I also love that when it was time to fill out our book, I was trying to get Charlie to write 'Hedrick' family, but he insisted that we are the 'Team Hedrick' family. I guess my matching family shirts have made an impact...