'Tis the Season!

So, Christmas is upon us and I'm not sure where the month has gone! It feels like yesterday that we returned from Thanksgiving in Aberdeen and from there we jumped straight into Christmas decorating and shopping. Stewart's parents came for a visit during the 2nd week of December (more on that later) and here we are! Tomorrow we leave for the Isles of Scilly - small islands off the coast of SW England (Cornwall), and we could not be more excited. We are there a week and return on the 29th - like I said, the month is basically GONE! Time does fly.

I have a lot to do to be ready to leave out tomorrow evening (we're taking the sleeper train down overnight and then a helicopter across to the island!) but even so, I wanted to put Bowen in her Christmas dress (how sweet is it?!) and get some pics in front of the tree. This is NOT an easy task! I basically spent the entire morning singing and gently coaxing her into staying put! Bowen also turns 16 months today, so it was doubly important that I get some photos. I really can't believe how fast the months are going. She is such a little girl now and so independent... surprising us every day with what she understands and how much she's learning. She is such a smart, sweet, beautiful little girl and we thank God for her every day. I'll make a separate post of all the fun things she's doing, but for now need to get back to the packing!

Oh - a quick update on baby boy! I'm feeling the baby move a ton lately and my tummy has officially 'popped'! I will be 24 weeks on Christmas and I feel like the pregnancy is flying. Still feeling good with lots of energy which is great! Maybe once Christmas has finished, I'll start to tackle the fun issue of 'where to put baby' when he arrives!

And if I don't manage to blog again before, Merry Christmas to everyone. We miss our family & friends so much - especially around the holidays. Our Christmas cards are on their way and thanks to all of you who have added the extra postage and kept us on your list! We have loved getting so many beautiful cards. They are up in the kitchen and are a daily reminder of our wonderful family and friends back home and those close friends we've made here as well.

Enjoy the plethora of photos! :)

Love & laughter to all... xo