Wow! The holiday times have been busy for us, as I am sure they have been for most. For Isaiah's 3rd birthday we invited several friends and family over for chili and cake. Last time we counted there were approximately 20 people here besides us (and Abbey and Ben)...yikes! It was hectic at times, but everyone seemed to have a good time. Isaiah especially loved the "yata" (pinata) we got him for surprises for his friends. Unfortunately, our camera didn't have batteries, so we relied on Mom and Dad for pictures.
A couple days before Christmas, my parents took Isaiah to Bass Pro Shop's Winter Wonderland to see santa. He asked santa for "Bumblebee" from Transformers, but when asked later he said he asked for a puppy. No, he did not get the puppy...this year. We were grateful beyond words this Christmas. A lady at the hotel, graciously gave us 2 Manheim Steamroller tickets so Kevin and I were able to have a short, but amazing date as we sat 5 or 6 rows from the front. They were so great! Additionally, my parents and siblings gave Isaiah some awesome toys, Tom and Lynn gave him some more (super cute clothes, too!), and my parents gave us things we really needed (a tire & money to pay off my pass due car loan).
Our most shocking surprise, was coming home on Christmas Eve to a kitchen, freezer, and pantry full of groceries. Additionally, presents from this "Secret Santa" for Isaiah and us with a note saying to put them under the tree. We are/were in complete shock and cannot believe how blessed we are to have such amazing friends to do something like this for us. It renewed the CHRISTmas spirit and showed us Christ's love for us in a very DIRECT way! Thank you, Secret Santa! We cannot wait until next year to pass a blessing on to someone else...