Christmas Past~2003

Christmas Cards 2003.

We were at Hilton Head and I took this top one. We were not dressed for a family photo but a passerby offered to take one and it came out pretty good, so we used it too (below).

Not bad for a quick candid by a stranger!

Will is ready with his list waiting in line to see Santa.

I think Harry's list is "illustrated."

Our "family" photo at the Galleria. If you look carefully, you'll see Harry in the left corner. He was being three and did not want to be in this picture. So, we said, "Fine. We'll take it without you."

Picking out our tree that year.



Here is our favorite lady from the Christmas tree place. She always remembered our family and was so sweet. We miss this place. Here the boys are getting their "kiddie tree."

For many years in Houston, we had a big (80-100 people) Christmas party at our house. For some reason I did not take pictures of the parties. I was probably too busy. But I did find this one of a centerpiece and the one below.

Some of my good Houston friends at the party this year. This one was bittersweet because I think it was our last Christmas in Houston.

The week before Christmas we got the BEST gift of 2003. My sister and her husband had tried for many years to have a baby. On December 18, 2003---I got the call that their son was born. They were chosen to adopt Ashton in a city near us. So, we immediately hopped in the car and drove the six hours to meet our new nephew, Godson and cousin. Here he is....

Oh wait, that is just his Dad, Uncle Moon being funny! Here he is...

Doesn't my sister look so happy?

Harry, Ashton and Dave.

Auntie Kim loved holding baby Ashton.

After a few days helping the new family settle in, we headed back to Houston to celebrate Christmas. This is the children's performance on Christmas Eve at our Church. If you look closely, you will see both Harry and Will.



The boys with their nutcrackers on Christmas Eve. Yeah--I have new Christmas pajamas on!

Harry was really into firefighters this year. He had his birthday party at the fire station and his nutcraker was a firefighter. Santa left this firetruck for him.

Will and his Imaginext.


We had Christmas dinner with Uncle Joe, Aunt Wendy and cousins Jamie and Olivia. Auntie Wendy is from England so we always do Christmas crackers when we are at their house. Thus the hats.


And since it its Thankful Thursday---I am thankful for all the incredible Christmas memories past and present that I have with my loved ones (family and friends).

I am also thankful for all of the wonderful people that have come into my life this year through the adoption community. You are wonderfully thoughtful and amazing people.

And finally, I am thankful for my darling Kate Emerson, the best gift this year.