Christmas

A few Christmas moments from Toulon.

Yes, we stayed in France this year because my big, port-visit trip with Phil fell right after Christmas. I had to chose. Christmas in the US with lots of family and festivities, or a low-key Christmas in France with a once-in-a-lifetime second honeymoon right after. I chose my husband...and the five star hotel.

And we were not at all alone for the holidays. I am so grateful Phil's parents were with us again for the second year in a row. Despite the high, holiday ticket prices, other grand kids to spend Christmas with, and visiting beautiful France during its most un-beautiful season (lots of rain and wind), they willingly came to spend two weeks with us. And the best part...they're staying here with the kids while I'm in Abu Dhabi. So my kids will be spoiled and fussed over while I'm away. Read: I don't feel guilty for leaving.

In the meantime, we've tried to have a couple little adventures before I go...

like taking the bus to a Naval History Museum.

As you can see my children are super intelligent--at least they looked like it, while walking around the museum with the audio guides pressed up to their ears.

I was laughing at little Zachary in his outfit. He looks like he's ready to walk the halls of Harvard.

The next day we did a little morning market shopping in our neighborhood. The kids were able to see Santa and his brass band(?).

Christmas Eve night (having no church service to go to) we had a little birthday party for Jesus. The kids loved it and made "Kids of the King" hats.

Christmas Day passed by nicely even though we were missing our other family so far away...and missing our Daddy here. There were more presents than any two children should ever receive--resulting in the obligatory Christmas-morning-meltdown.

A photo shoot in fancy clothes from Grandma Jan.

One child is always more willing and ready to pose than the other...

I think he's zoned-in on the fruit snack packet Grandma is waving in the air behind me.

And then we ate a lovely Mediterranean-take on Christmas Dinner. Roasted leg of lamb, parsley and butter potatoes, and ratatouille.

The weather was unfortunately (but seasonally) terrible, but we were warm and cozy inside with new toys and Grandparents to play with.

I have so much to be thankful for. My getaway trip is only happening because my kind in-laws were willing to come to stay with the kids. I have two beautiful, healthy kids who make me laugh (and sometimes cry) everyday. And more EVERY-thing than I could ever need. But I'm most grateful that Jesus came into the world to save sinners--like me!

Oh, and I will say it again this year...next year, I will be HOME for Christmas. Are you listening French Navy?