Christmas Festivities - Students in Spokane Style

Winter is upon us. The pond is frozen, but the geese and ducks remain. Thankfully, there has been hardly any snow thus far, so maybe I will enjoy the snow all the way through January this year. One can hope, since it often lasts, on and off, through at least April.

We brought back presents from Thanksgiving with the family and Ezra loves playing with them. He shakes them, hides them, and tries to convince me and Joe to open them so he can enjoy the riches inside. It is so fun to see his excitement for all things Christmas. One year can make such a difference.

Well, we did end up giving in and opening the presents early. How can you say no to that face? Plus, we are travelling so we would have to anyway, right? Ezra loves all his gifts. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Sears! I think his top three from the Sears side would have to be his new singing police car, Go, Dog. Go!, and his animal magnets. He is one lucky boy.

Joe and I decided to get him one big gift that combined as a birthday and Christmas gift. He loves it and likes to stick his magnets in the holes so they fall inside. At least three times a day I have to move his Zany Zoo so he can start all over again.

Amid finals, we were also able to sneak in a trip to Trader Joe's for some Candy Cane Joe Joe's (Trader Joe's to Joe is the equivalent of a toy store to a child). We enjoyed said joe joe's while looking at Christmas lights and taking in an unusual light show down the street from us. I never knew so many barnyard Christmas songs existed. Strange.

We also enjoyed a Journey to the North Pole Cruise in Coeur d'Alene. There were over 1.5 million lights and the experience is rated in the top ten for light shows in America. The lights were gorgeous, but the fireworks at the "North Pole" did frighten Ezra. However, he enjoyed seeing The Grinch, elves, and Santa Clause, who read off Ezra's name on the nice list.

Well, we are enjoying Marco's homemade cider recipe up here in the frigid north, but we can't wait to go see family and be done with finals. But not even finals can dampen our Christmas spirit, especially when we see the joy it brings our little boy. Christmas always brings so much magic and happiness. It is truly the best time of the year. I am so thankful for Christ, the true gift of Christmas, and hope we can all keep His Spirit and mission in our hearts this holiday season. Below is one of my all time favorite Christmas songs. Now, it reminds me a lot of Ezra and the sparkle I see in his eyes.