A Birthday and A Break

Unbelievable that Gavin turned six on Wednesday!!  What a year it has been for him.  He has grown (physically and socially/emotionally) SO MUCH.  God is shaping him into such a neat little man.  He still has his sweet, tender heart, but he grows more into a warrior every day.  He is loving everything boy!  And Daddy is having a great time introducing him to many new adventures.

For his birthday, his Uncle Scott and Papa got him some model rockets.  At first, he didn't have any idea what they would actually do.  After school on his birthday we went out to launch one, and WOW!  He had a blast!  (Pun intended!)  Here are some pics from his big day.

Prior to Lift-Off

Getting it set up

3-2-1. . . 

There she goes!

I think this was launch number three.  Gavin could have done this all day.

Trying to catch the falling rocket was half the fun!

"Iron Man" blowing out his candles

Tonight we will have a full-on Birthday Party with friends from school.  Gavin's never really had a Birthday Party before, so he can't wait.  He's taking his best little friends to see "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and then dinner at Pizza Hut.  He really couldn't ask for a more perfect day.

I know this entry is a little late, and it might be the last one until we return to Bologna.  We are busy taking care of all the last minute details we need to get done in order to return.  And trying to rest and enjoy the Holidays at the same time.  We fly back on January 3 and would covet your prayers for our trip and our re-entry.

Merry Christmas to everyone!  Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving over the little baby whose birth we celebrate and who we are so privileged to proclaim.

American Holiday Fun

In the past two years, we've done our best to make the fourth Thursday of November NOT just Thursday but "Thanksgiving in Italy."  We've given it good attempts!  But there really isn't anything like Thanksgiving in America.  The fried turkey, the green bean casserole, the stuffing, the pies. . . Wow, it was good.  Here's a picture of Ben enjoying perhaps his first piece of pie ever.  He went for the chocolate but then followed it up with pumpkin.

Needless to say, he was a fan.

On the day after Thanksgiving (yes, after some early morning Christmas shopping), we set to work decorating every square foot of my parents' house for Christmas.  We had such a great time!  The kids loved unpacking all of Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas ornaments and decorations.  We have a great time decorating our apartment in Bologna for Christmas, but because of the lack of space, it has to be a lot more reserved. 

Daddy and Papa putting together the GINORMOUS Christmas tree.

Gavin taking a self-photo when he was in charge of documenting our decorating.

Yep, this is one of Gavin's pieces of photographic art.

One more from Gav.  This one's pretty avant-guard.  His five-year-old perspective gave him a distinct advantage.

Grandma and Hannah hanging stockings by the chimney with care (with Hannah enjoying the entire day in pajamas).

What would a day decorating be without egg nog for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids?

Ben LOVED hanging ornaments.  They all ended up in the same spot, but he liked it that way.  Our new favorite words to hear him say are "Santa Claus" and "Christmas."  He rocks.

What would Christmas preparations be without mailing letter and lists to Santa?  Let's just say Gavin's list was extensive. . . He has pretty high expectations of what Santa can afford. :)

Sending the letters off to the North Pole!

We return to Bologna in four and half weeks.  It is a special blessing to have our last days in the States be around the holidays.  We are going to soak up every minute of it.