We had a very sweet Christmas week. On Monday, we met sweet baby girl Reagan. I forgot how tiny newborns are!! Christmas Eve morning we did our own family celebration at our house. Quinn got a new water bottle and a bunch of pouches in her stocking (a luxury item around here). She was pretty pumped. Then Jonathan surprised me with a brand new sewing machine! We had agreed to having our gifts to eachother be the museum date and a stocking stuffer, but he likes to keep me on my toes. I'm so excited to put it to use on my project list. Quinn received a bike (want), baby doll (need), scarf (wear), and Winnie the Pooh book (read). She named the baby doll "baby boy", we were expecting Memo or Bebo since that's what she names a lot of things these days. She has been very sweet with him. We gave her the bike at Jonathan's parents' house since they went in on it with us. Such a big kid!

We spent the rest of Christmas Eve with my family and some of Christmas morning, then headed over to Jonathan's parents for the rest of the day. Quinn saw all four of her Gowins-side great grandparents, what a lucky girl! (And thanks, Auntie Amber, for the dress. Quinn thought she was a princess all day.)

Thursday was a bit relaxed and Friday we headed home through Corvallis. We stopped at the Thielmans' house and the Albers' house for some visiting. Saturday we had brunch with a longtime friend and then our friends from California, the Bells, came over for the rest of the day. Quinn thought their girls were so cool.

Sunday we were visited by the lovely Ihde family and then caught up with the Cases at the Khajavi-Poresky home over some tasty dinner. It was so great to see all these amazing people. 

On Monday, we went to the Portland Children's museum as a family. Quinn had such a fun time. Her definite favorites were the garden area, the water play area, and the grocery store. And she gave Dora a million hugs. 

We really enjoyed adding a Jesse Tree to our Christmas traditions this year. Each night starting December 1st we would read a story from the Bible and color an ornament with a symbol from the story to hang on the tree. It was amazing to see how much sunk in with Quinn. 

 Today has been a nice, boring Tuesday that included a trip to the grocery store and cuddling my runny-nosed girly. I think we all wore ourselves out pretty well. We hope everyone had a Christmas full of love and joy, and Happy New Year to all!

It's been a fun and festive week and a half. There have been a lot of secret elf projects going on around here. Jonathan even worked on a man gift project. Wednesday we had a full day date thanks to my fabulous mom. Jonathan and I decided our gift to each other this year would be going to the Samurai exhibit at the Portland Art Museum. We never got around to going when it was in SF, so we didn't want to miss it this time. We also had a nice lunch out and some wandering downtown. Jonathan went to a basketball game with his buddy this past weekend and I had a lunch date with a buddy as well. I also had the pleasure of taking this little sugar plum to the church Christmas pageant.

Yes, that's a travel mug in her hand. An essential accessory these days. We had a lot of fun getting dressed up and watching the show. I haven't seen her that mesmerized since she saw the Disneyland parade. Afterward, she kept getting excited pointing out all the kids dressed as angels.

There has also been lots of ballet in baby brother's room. She knows about passe and arabesque.

Who knew that Ikea toy could double as a ballet barre? 

And my favorite Christmas vocabulary word is "Four Wopsen". Also known as the three men who followed the star to Bethlehem.

We got our Christmas tree yesterday. It was crisp and sunny with snow on the ground at the farm we went to. All my Christmas tree memories involve rain and mud, so this was a treat. Quinn enjoyed tromping in the snow and especially loved spotting this famous family.

We bought this little nativity set and she has been all about Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus lately. They've come along on many outings and had many sleepovers.

We found a sweet little tree and headed home.

Quinn likes the lights, but I suspect that she thinks ornaments on the tree are just a fancy way to display new toys. Fortunately, she's very careful with them. Two of her favorites are Starbucks cups that she uses to play "coffee date" with Jonathan.

Well, that was a busy week! Jonathan's new job within the same company has required some earlier mornings, so the pace around our house has changed a bit. Plus, traveling for Thanksgiving, visiting friends, date night, and some other fun made for quite full days. I'll let the photos do the talking.

Helping daddy put up Christmas lights

Beginning our holiday travels (moments later, she pulled out the kazoo she secretly packed in her purse and played us some lovely music)

Thanksgiving Feast #1

Happy Birthday to Nana

Gingerbread treats after my midwife check-up. Baby brother is still doing great!

We are thankful for a healthy baby

BOY!

All family members have now been told. We are so excited to meet this little guy. Quinn talks about and to baby brother all the time. "Show you run fast, baby brother?" and off she races. "Like book, baby brother?" He's still giving me a pretty easy time and likes to practice his dance moves all day.

Lots to be grateful for, thanks be to God! Quinn says, "raindrops" right away every time.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!