a new feel....

So of course having christmas in the middle of a beautiful south african summer was quite the adjustment...the views...the smell of salt in the air...sunsets on the ocean...eating amazing brick oven pizza outside...nothing about it felt christmasy and yet when i stepped back it was such a delight to experience Christmas in this way.

an amazing hike drew, eric and i took together during the holidays...

after hiking in some very strong gusts of wind...we arrived at this view:

but even after having Christmas in Amman, Jordan and then year two in South Africa...the thing that changed the feel the most for this adoring mama was her baby...

my hilarious, full of personality, loves-everything-bear-related, cuddly, adventurous babe.

this was a "Set-up" from my dad to tempt her... and it totally worked.

after dining on an incredible Christmas Eve Feast ( that would make Charles Dickens proud)- turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and all our favorite holiday dishes...we cozied up together for singing and just being together on a beautiful Christmas Eve.

of course kathryn had to buy all of us silly holiday headbands...

how claire always responds when there is singing...

being captured by my mom's famous "O Holy Night" performance

claire was participating in any way she knew how.

the gals...

moments to soak in for sure...