the c.astles: Christmas in Fairfield

Christmas 2016

We had the greatest Christmas! It was full of dress-ups, mandarin oranges, luminaria, books, birthday candles, and gratitude. It's such a wonderful thing to celebrate the birth of Christ with a 2 year old. I see things from a child's perspective, and I try harder to keep it simple. Joanne knew for weeks before Christmas that it was all about Jesus' birthday and that we would have cake and candles and sing happy birthday. She was so excited about that. She understands so much more than I expect her to, and she teaches me so much. From her thoughtful prayers to her noticing in pictures of Christ that "Jesus has owies", Joanne is one observant special girl, and it's an honor being able to raise her.

Riding her bike in the usual outfit.

Wings, dress, gloves, crown, necklace - the whole package.

Reading with Grandma.

Opening her "ducks" from Grandma.

When I was little we called our pajamas "ducks" because Joseph had duck pj's when he was young with ducks on them. That started a tradition that even carried to when I was around. So fun that now Jody and Marian have their own ducks. Thanks Mom for making them!

Do you see the wardrobe change? This purple dress is the best present ever given in the history of presents. A few weeks ago we were skyping Lucy and her girls. Jody started crying about wanting Elna's purple dress (we had no idea what she was talking about) so Elna went and put a purple dress on to see if that would make her happy. Jody just cried and cried wanting that dress. I heard about it long after the skype conversation was over. Little did we know that Lucy and Elna talked and decided to send Jody the dress for Christmas. To say Joanne was happy in an understatement. THANK YOU, Elna!