So Many Pretty Lights...

Okay... so tonight was Mommy-Daughters night. And the only thing the girls wanted to do was go to see the illuminated botanical garden. (Keep in mind that it is getting pretty cold around here, especially at night). I tried to talk them out of it. No movie or manicure option was good enough. They were stuck on seeing more Christmas lights. So, I caved in!

While on our girly outing, I was reminded of some of the things I have always loved about Christmas...

SnOw... or in this case a snowman!

The beauty of the lights.

The decorations.

The sincerity of the season.

And watching the excitement in a child's face.

Despite the cooler temperatures outside, Emmalie, Bethanie and I managed to create another wonderful memory of the 2011 holiday season. I feel so very blessed... :-)

Shelia

Drawing...?!

John Gardner once said that life is the art of drawing... without an eraser. Well, we have been doing a lot of drawing the past couple of weeks :-)

So far, we've drawn our path of life through Thanksgiving in the beautiful suburbs of Dallas...

Lisa and Dad... all smiles!

Dalton and Devin computer surfing

Emmalie and Bennette taking a rest from playing

Bethanie gets to be tall
thanks to her Uncle Johnny

...through a quiet and fun-filled 15th Birthday celebration for Dalton...

Yummy... CAKE!
(Thanks Lisa & Johnny)

Bishop taking a break to answer a text

Dad & Johnny enjoying the moment

...through the dreaded "Black Friday" and all of the craziness that accompanies it...

Devin shares his thoughts on
Black Friday shopping!

...and through Christmas decorating with the kids.

Pretty girls posing by the Christmas tree

What a WONDERFUL life of art and memories we have been drawing! And it is just the beginning of the holiday season. What more could we ask for more...? Paint, maybe! (Everything's prettier in full color, right?!)