It's December!

We are so excited that December is here! First here are some catch-up pictures from November...

We ran/biked around the seawall as a family. This is one of my favorite family activities. Exercising as an entire family is just the best. And it's an added bonus when we encounter racoons and herons along the way.

We went for a family skate and this was Peter's first time on skates. Exciting times!

Our friends, the Loewens, welcomed a new baby boy into their family. We enjoyed the newborn snuggles!

And here are a collection of pictures that include a brunch I had with the lovely ladies that I serve with on the Women's Ministry team, some glimpses into our homeschool days, adventures at playgrounds, movie nights, tin can stilts, and tea times.

And now onto December. This year we have added a new tradition. We are unwrapping one picture book for every day of December leading up to Christmas. The books are a combination of ones we own and library books. We are also doing our Jesse Tree advent (this is our favorite tradition). We kicked off the season with our "night before advent" party on Thursday night.

The other day we picked up our tree and it is all decorated. And on Friday, I took the girls to the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at the Carousel Theatre for Kids on Granville Island. We just finished reading the book. The play was fantastic, but it's pretty hard to beat CS Lewis' book!

I am so thankful for my helpers this year. They help me address our cards, do the baking, and prepare for Christmas. It truly is a team effort.

We are looking forward to spending time with friends, family, and neighbors this Christmas. We are praying that we keep our focus on Jesus and live in peace and simplicity this season.