We've been busy the last few weeks. Kyle and Nicolas' grandparents came from Quebec for a visit, we celebrated Thanksgiving, cut down Christmas trees (we loved the new tree farm we found thanks to our new friends at the Kelly Road Tree Farm), dressed up the house inside and out with lights and decorations, and that is just the start of the list! 

Our friends, Dan and Wendy, arranged for the boys to spend an amazing day at a Seahawks game. Dan's dad Tracy took great care of us, giving Kyle a shoulder ride everywhere we went and making sure the boys felt spoiled. Dan's uncle made it possible for us to go out on the field before the game where the boys were able to pet the real hawk, take a photo with the mascot hawk, and Kyle even caught a threw a pass to one of the players! Then we rode in the press elevator and found our seats in a beautiful suite. Dan's uncle Todd had left goodie bags on the boys' seats with bright green gloves, scarves, #12 towel, and jerseys (which of course they wore to school the next day). While the Hawks may have lost the game in the last 3 minutes, we had lots to cheer about, and not just the buffet with bowls of gummy bears!

Nicolas and Kyle chill out in the Seahawks' suite!

Last Friday night we had well wishers come to the house and fill the remaining outside trees and shrubs with lights. It is now truly "Griswald" as I can't turn on the tv's or light the Christmas trees inside while all the lights and inflatable decorations are lit outside without blowing a fuse! When Nicolas saw the house for the first time he shouted, "Oh my gosh, my mom turned our yard into a party!" That is exactly the look I was hoping for.

The weekend turned to winter when it started to snow. There was probably only half an inch on the ground and we were out trying to sled. By Sunday the neighborhood was a winter wonderland! We had to find a way to make it to Santa Brunch (I'm not keen on driving in the snow) and our friend Paul offered to be our taxi driver. Kyle had been looking forward to brunch for a month. He and his best friend Campbell were sitting at their own table, no grown-ups! Campbell's dad, Gil, captured the day for us but if you decide to watch, grab a tissue box, the video is wonderful...


Santa Brunch 2008 from Gil Lund on Vimeo.

If you haven't seen the Bellingham Herald today, click here to read a story highlighting the holiday spirit being sent our way. The story details the out pouring of holiday wishes filling our mailbox. Each day we drive straight to the mailbox on our way home from school to see if there is any mail for Kyle and Nicolas. When a few of the people I am friends with through work heard how they like receiving cards they put the word out. Now we read notes of encouragement, hope and well wishes from across the city, state, even the Canadian border!

The snow has given us an early start to winter break, we are looking forward to all the joys of the holidays. Thank you for your continued prayers, good wishes, and support. Thank you to everyone who has brought us a meal, sent a card, written a comment or sent an email. The spirit of Christmas has filled our home, we hope it has filled yours too.