1. chalk art in our garage-gallery
2. there's a blizzard blowin' in ;)
3. white christmas daydreaming'
4. 4th annual polar bear plunge//other side of barton springs
5. splish, splash!!!
6. the zilker tree-of-sorts
7. the leaves have finally started to turn colors and flutter down
8. coolest old tree in the neighborhood
9. curling up all cozy with a good book
10. austin tradition: decorate the trees along the 360 highway
11. baby's first "snow" experience (manmade and super crowded)
12. snow angel
13. snow ball fight!
14. not sure what to think of this white, cold stuff (or his fuzzy fleece snowsuit!)
15. twinkle walk around the neighborhood
16. winter solstice - no shirt, no problem. got popsicles?
17. tradition
18. tradition with a new twist (painting instead of frosting)
19. while visions of sugarplums danced in her head
20. who needs new toys for christmas? (gimme all the boxes!)
21. the gift that keeps on giving - a pass to the aquarium!
22. last ride of the year on the zilker zephyr
23. cutest little bear
24. best wishes for an amazing new year!
Every December, we make the pilgrimage to "Bethlehem" - did you know you could find it right here in the heart of Texas? It has become one of our most treasured Christmas traditions since moving here. The quaint little town of Burnet rallies together under the direction of The First Baptist Church to present this breathtaking live nativity as a gift to all people...though it is so much more than simply a live nativity. They call it Main Street Bethlehem because they recreate a small version of the town -going back in time to the night of Jesus' birth. As you enter the city gates, you see the families huddled around campfires, you see shepherds who stand on the well to tell of the Good News - and then encourage you to follow the bright star, for there you will find the newborn King. Along the way, you can try some warm sweet bread, you can watch vendors in the market selling everything from vegetables to oils to brass. You may see geese and chickens as you stroll through the marketplace. You can step into the candlelit workspace of artisans - dipping candles, throwing pottery, dying textiles over a fire. Stop in at the synagogue. Smile at a group of camels. Watch as tax payers go to pay their fines, and watch as the tall Roman guards roam the town. There is a prison for criminals. There are homes where children help prepare a meal. There is an Inn that is too full for more occupants. And finally, as you follow the Star - you walk beyond donkeys into a space of peace, of quiet, of awe. And there - you will find Him. It is truly a magical experience that really brings the true spirit of the season into our hearts, as well as our senses. If you ever have the chance, I encourage you to go and visit. And if you can't - I have captured a few photographs to share of this most wonderful Christmas tradition. They are a little grainy as it is very dark with only flickering lights from campfires and candles - and I refuse to use a flash. I think they capture the essence, nonetheless. Please enjoy! Merry Christmas!
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11
Last weekend, we picked out our Christmas Tree. It was pouring down rain, so we let it air and dry out for a few days before the decorating party began. Ooooooh, it smells sooooooo gooooood. I just love the fresh woodsy scent of pine. We presented the kids their Christmas jammies, put on some Christmas music, and then let them pretty much go to town and decorate it themselves this year, with a boost here and there when needed. I did the lights, and Jacob did the star on top, otherwise, they did it all! Granted, it's a little bit ornament heavy on the bottom, and there are some areas with clumps of ornaments congregated together, sometimes there are five red baubles in a row, and they are hung so low and on the edge of the branch that some of them are kind of dropping down...but I kinda love it! Every day, Hazel rearranges a few of the ornaments (all of the ornaments within her reach are shatter proof plastic), and Hudson plugs and un-plugs the lights (pretty much all day long) for a special disco-like effect (yes, we have safety plugs but he's figured out how to take them out - I think he'd be thrilled to get a cord of some sort for Christmas). It's so much fun having little ones around, and it's extra magical at Christmas time. We finished up the party with some hot chocolate. All in all, a wonderful time was had by all and I even remembered to take a few pics! Now, we get to enjoy this lovely tree for the next month as we do our advent activities and count down to Christmas. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and we are all loving it!
