Advent week 2

This year our advent has been a little more low-key than in years past and I/we have had to be a bit more flexible...mostly due to being pregnant and nausea. But I have had decent and even good days and I am pretty good about just pushing through and getting out even when I don't always feel up for it - and thankfully, once we're out getting fresh air, it is like a bit of balm for this pregnant-lady-soul :)  That said, we have been able to do or participate in most of our wonderful and beloved traditions. And we have been loving it!

Week Two:

eyes were beholding...

Hundreds of luminaries and candles lighting an evening stroll around Greenlake.

One of Santa's Reindeer and his friends!

The magical glow of the Christmas Ships all lit up and

the glow of the beach bonfire at Carkeek Beach.

Our gifts wrapped all shiny and exciting, under the tree.

A tiny little body - the gift of our new baby (via ultrasound).

ears were hearing...

Guitars, Mandolins, Ukeleles, Banjos, and voices caroling along the shores of the Pathway of Lights.

The Dickens Carolers sweet voices from the shore.

The crackle of the bonfire on the beach.

Christmas Trains.

The heartbeat of our new baby.

hands were holding and helping...

Each other!
the hands of our friends.

A friend's new baby.
the warmth of hats, mittens, and jackets.

Sticky candy canes and melty mint truffles.

Pinecones.

carefully selected gifts for one another.

wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and ribbon.

toddler hands and fingers to wrap special gifts.

New drawing tools and Christmas coloring books.

Christmas Cards and newsletters sent by friends and family.

tongues were tasting...

Fine and delectable fair from Canlis.

Virgin Mojitos 

Candycanes, mint truffles and small goodies.

Hot chocolate with baby marshmallows

Comfort food at the dinner table.
Popcorn with little friends late at night.

noses were smelling...

Hay from the camel and donkeys dwelling place.

Fragrant fir and winter flowers at Swanson's nursery.

a bonfire on the beach with hot cider close by.

hearts were feeling...

friendly...uplifted...grateful...hopeful...thankful...touched

tidbit I don't want to forget from today...

Before his nap, Sawyer wanted to read a book called "Beautiful Savior" - beautiful images of our Savior with simple text. There was an image with bread and wine - so we talked about how we partake of the sacrament at church and it is a good time to think about Jesus and remember him. After a moment of thought, Sawyer said "Hmm. Actually, during the sacrament I am usually thinking about dinosaurs and dragons." Such an honest boy! We decided maybe we can look at pictures of Jesus while the sacrament is administered to keep our mind thinking about our Savior :)