It's the most wonderful time of the year...

Here's a picture that I love that didn't make the Christmas card...

On Sunday night, we joined our small group in giving a Christmas party for around 70 people at Harvest Home, a home for homeless pregnant women.  This is our third year to be a part of this night, and I think it was the best-organized year yet. Here is Kathryn and others getting dinner ready in the kitchen!
There was a campus-wide Christmas party at the cafeteria, and one of Jake's students put on the old Santa costume.  Here is Santa afraid of crying baby who had just climbed over her mama's shoulder when mama tried to thrust her in strange man's lap.  Mama gave up and sat down.
Here is Santa more comfortable now that baby realized mama would not try to give her away again.
On Monday morning, we met our dear friends Carrie and Mihret at Griffith Park again, and this time we were joined by the Parmelee ladies (Cailyn is 2, Jaana is almost 6 months) who caravanned with us from Pepperdine.
The whole gang having a picnic lunch...
The girls had a GREAT time- Cailyn and Mihret can keep up with each other and entertain everyone else.   Here are Mihret and Abby Jane swinging...

And Mihret helping Abby Jane swing...

Someone discovered the first present under the tree!

Yesterday, Jen and Lucy (five months) hosted a gingerbread decorating party, complete with homemade hot chocolate!

Here are Em (and baby Jones) decorating with 2 year old Canon!  None of us made tons of progress on our houses, but we had a great time playing and letting the little ones play!  Abby Jane danced for Lucy to make her laugh- and then they just laughed at each other for about 5 minutes.  It was precious.