Harvesting a tree--at Lowes!

In an extraordinary short time, the family decides on the perfect Christmas tree. Perhaps it was because Dad promised to be totally agreeable in the process this year or because the temperature was in the 20s, we quickly settled on the family's 2005 tree. We can only imagine what Gracee thought (or didn't think) about the episode. With the tree now in place in the house--lights on and most of the ornaments unpacked--Gracee is quite impressed. Soon we will see if she decides to de-decorate everything within her reach. Merry Christmas! 

Gracee strikes a thoughtful pose. Perhaps she was pondering what Christmas tree would fit in our house or perhaps she was trying to figure out what we were doing walking in a forest at dusk in freezing temperatures.  

Guess who's coming to Gracee's house?

With all the immediate family in town, we decided it was time to make the annual (26th year in a row) pilgrimage to meet with old St. Nick. We had made a recon visit to the mall earlier in the month for Gracee to get a look at Santa Claus. (She calls him "claws.") The earlier visit went better than the official visit--although on the prior visit we merely waved to him. Fortunately big brother Niles was a buffer between the not-so-jolly Santa and Gracee. After several takes, Santa's adolescent elves at the mall snapped a decent picture and we were on our way. None too soon for Gracee. (BTW, this is my photo not the one we purchased.) Merry Christmas!!!

The calm before the storm--Right down Santa Claus Lane.

The day before Thanksgiving and all through the mall.... Gracee visits Santa. She has NO idea of the excitement wrapped up in white fur and red velour that sits just around the corner. 

MOMMA!!!!!!

Get me away from this crazy man! I'll buy my own presents!!! 

Thanksgiving Day 2005

Looks like someone is ready for a feast! We are blessed that Gracee is such a great eater. So Thanksgiving Day provided a wide and delicious array of food to enjoy. No surprise but there was much to be thankful this year. We are incredibly thankful that God allowed our family to grow. We are grateful for the many people who prayed for us and supported us in bringing Gracee home. We are thankful for the fact that God protected Gracee before we met her (and that He continues to protect her.) We are tremendously grateful that because of Jesus' work on the cross, we who know Him have been adopted into the family of God--now that is a real "forever family."

The perfect costume...

Gracee with her sister and two of her brothers--in costume, sort of. It could be she demanded they wear the beautiful outfits they bought in China. No question--they looked grand at church October 31st for the fall festival. Gracee stayed home with a friend and handed out candy to 'trick or treaters.'

Gracee goes to college

Gracee made her first visit out of town to see her big brother, Drew, at the University of Indianapolis. She was the star of the show. Drew had plenty of friends who had been anxious to see her. Gracee was a great traveler and Drew was glad to see her--particularly because we ferried his winter clothes up to him. Along with students, Gracee found a puppy dog that lived around the corner from Drew. That was entertaining!