Christmas Blur

Our apartment all decorated for Christmas

Happy Holidays everyone!  We had a whirlwind of events the last couple weeks, and are just now catching our breath and getting some rest. Here are some highlights from the week of Christmas and some pics of Christmas at our house.

1. December 19th-21st we were able to sneak away to Vegas to see my dad and his family for Dad and Tony's Birthdays.  Delicious steak dinner (I had a rack of lamb... mmmmm)  and some good conversation!

2. Christmas Eve morning we skyped family in Florida, where Brian's parents and grandparents were together for the holiday!

3. Brian joined St. Paul Lutheran for 3 Christmas Eve services later that night. I made it to the 11:00pm candle light service just in time after my shift at work.

4. We got to skype family in Denver Christmas morning, which made me feel like I was home with them opening presents around the tree! 

Some holiday treats I made to get into the mood for Christmas

5. Then off to Christmas morning service at SPLC, which was a delight with Christmas carols and beautiful poinsettias.

6. We joined Pastor Tom and Sue and their family for a Christmas morning brunch following the service. Delicious breakfast rolls together in the shape of a Christmas tree are a tradition for the Goellrich's. 



7. Back to work for me, 2pm-midnight, and Brian stayed with the Goellrich's for the remainder of their evening with family.

8. Sunday morning Brian was back in the pulpit at Shepard of the Hills, a church that St. Paul's is supporting this year with church services and pastoral care. 

9. By 1:30pm on Sunday the car was packed with camping gear and we were headed out the door to Joshua Tree National Park. 

I hope you all had a wonderful time with family and celebrating the spirit of hope that Jesus' birth brings to us this time of year!  We miss you all!

Our First Christmas as Rev. and Mrs. Ward :)