cuteness

Christmas Fun

Check out the HUGE ornaments we got for our tree this year!!!...

Ok, just kidding. We didn't get a real tree this year. I was sad to have to let that go, it is one of my favorite parts of Christmas, but it was worth it to spend the 2 1/2 weeks in Arizona with our family instead.

Plus, having Christmas with a two year old is far better than any tree could be. On the night we took out the decorations, Silas became filled with the child like wonder that makes Christmas so special. He called everything "The Christmas". He would say "Hey Mom, let's go look at the Christmas." and then lead me over to the stairs where we wrapped greenery and lights up the banister. He made dramatic gasps at each item that was taken out of the Christmas box, and he even got to have lights up in his own bedroom. The greatest part, above all others, was setting up the nativity scene. We talked about Mary and Joseph and the shepherds and wise men...and of course about baby Jesus. I was really feeling like he was "getting" things, taking to heart the importance of Jesus coming and the miracle of the story. He started carrying baby Jesus all around with him and talking to him. I would frequently hear the following statements and smile to myself:

"Baby Jesus, you like to walk down the stairs? No you don't? Oh that's Ok, I'll carry you down. Oh yes, you are welcome!"

"Mom, I have to go potty, quick go get baby Jesus so he can watch me!"

"See this Baby Jesus? I can go potty all by myself...are you saying 'good job' to me Baby Jesus?"

"Look at this, Baby Jesus is doing push-ups!!"
(our baby Jesus has his hands extended toward heaven in a very worshipful manner, also very useful for exercising)

"I'll be back in a minute Mom, I think I hear baby Jesus, he needs me."

"I choose Baby Jesus to watch me eat dinner tonight."

"I'm not tired Mom. Is baby Jesus sleeping. No, I don't think he is, I saw that his eyes were open."

"Baby Jesus is riding on Thomas the train! He likes Thomas."

"I will bring Baby Jesus in the car with me, he can sit by me in my car seat."

We also love being in Portland for the winter weather. We gladly visit Arizona for some mid-winter sunshine, but we all love to bundle up and experience the cold....well, most of the time...

But, no cold nose or toes is a match for snuggling by the fire to warm up. Add a Daddy and a cup of hot chocolate, and things can turn around pretty quick.

J's and S's

As a coincidence, we ended up with S's and J's for names in our family. It is actually pretty fun to match each other :) These are pictures from the photo shoot our friend Kyle did for us when we took our Christmas pictures. I could fill 100 blog pages with these pictures, so many of them turned out really cute! But these were a few of my favorites that I had to share.

Oh, Jewel

Christmas in November

Not all of the Burys will be together for Christmas this year, soooo....we started early. Because, really, what is more fun than watching the kids open their gifts??

You will see the running theme of Thomas the Train throughout these presents...

The kids also got their ornaments from Grammy,

Cute shirts from Great Aunt Nancy,Some great new books

And...the treasured pistol :)

These came from Aunt Christine, who also equipped the little boys with dart guns over the summer... although these are less dangerous in that nothing actually shoots out, we spent the majority of the week explaining what is ok and not ok to shoot. Uncles are Ok to shoot, baby girl cousins are not.

The Shiny Choo Choo

In the words of "Wilhelm" from our Gaslight Theatre visit...this is the coveted Shiny Choo Choo that will save Silas from becoming the Christmas grinch :) Phew!

Abrielle

Our sweet Abbie Kate...how did this happen. Such a short time ago you were the only baby, a precious little girl we all fussed over and doted upon. We gave you dolls and toys to express our love and gain your favor. You would snuggle up and rub your belly button, stick your fingers into your mouth, and listen to story after story. And now, here you are. The biggest cousin, watching out for the little boys and taking care of the baby girls. You are so grown up. Now you are getting flat irons, pom poms, jewelry and nail polish. You are the one reading the books, and amazing all of us with your vocabulary and knowledge. Growing with you is your gentle heart. I love to see Jesus in your tenderness towards your cousins and sibling. We are blessed by you, Abrielle. Delighted by you and by what you bring to our family.