Christmas Eve we awoke in a flurry of departing, having missed our alarm. Thanks to a ride from a friend, we made it to the airport just in time to check our mountain of baggage and board our flight. Our layover in Baltimore was much more leisurely, allowing for a reindeer PJs photo shoot and lunch.
Finally we reached our destination, delighted to see Nika, Papi, Auntie C, Uncle Jack and Uncle Sam. Nika’s Christmas decorations are always lovely, and this year was no exception. Christmas morning we opened stockings.
And the munchkins reprised their holiday formalwear for church.
The never-sick Nika was under the weather, so the B-team collaborated on eggs benedict for brunch.
Then we opened gifts. Here Luke takes a break to show off his belly button at Uncle Jack and Auntie C’s request.
I’m hoping this sandwich set teaches Luke to make us dinner. 
We were all delighted when this little princess awoke from her nap and joined us. Here she meets Frosty, the singing snowman.
It was so much fun to celebrate the Ella-belle’s first Christmas, to have Luke understand that we were celebrating Jesus’ birth, and to be with our Ferry family.
But we missed our Nielsen family, and were glad to have been able to celebrate an early Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa a few weeks earlier. I love Eleanor’s expression in this photo. This was one of the first presents opened – it didn’t take her long to gain an interest in them!
Here she opens one herself.
And this may be Luke’s most-cherished Christmas gift. Luke named him James, and Eleanor’s matching reindeer pillow was dubbed Coach J. While we were out of town, Luke reminded me daily that James was crying because he missed Luke. Next time James is coming with us!
What loved and blessed grandchildren Luke and Eleanor are. But even the lavish showers of love that they enjoy can’t compare to the lengths that our heavenly Father went to for us to be welcomed into His family. We begin the new year filled with wonder and thankfulness for His perfect gift.
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