Weekend Fun with Friends

It's hard to believe that it is almost Christmas and the year is coming to an end.
This weekend, we enjoyed some special Christmas traditions with friends.

Thinking about the weekend and these friends, I know we couldn't have made it through this year without these two dear families. They have given us much love and support in so many ways. A meal, a card, a hug, a smile, an email, an hour or night to ourselves, hospital and clinic visits, encouragement when we need it most, and having confidence that things would be ok when we weren't so sure, are just a few of the things they have provided for us. I'm thankful they have not given up on us or this fight.

Friday night was a great party for the kids at the Latham's house. They are amazing party planners and hosts!! It was a night filled with cookies, icing, ornament making, movies, squeals, laughter and love!

Yes, under all that icing is a gingerbread man!

Artists at work on beautiful platters.

I wish I could post the rest of the party and Stone Mountain pictures, but for some reason I can't...

Sunday, we went to Stone Mountain Park for their annual Christmas event. We can remember taking Elena when she was two. Soon after we started going with our friends the Vickers. It is a wonderful afternoon and evening filled with musical shows and performances, singing, dancing, carols, lights, and ending with a train ride complete with the story of "The Gift". The real meaning of Christmas shared with a captive audience on an open train. The story of Jesus' birth and God's most precious gift to us, His son.

As Christmas weekend is near, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

In Him,
The Tates
"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

Christmas is Coming

Just a few pics to share what has been going on at the Tate house:

On Saturday, we finished decorating our Christmas tree.
Liv did a great job straightening the tree skirt.

Elena loved hanging the ornaments as high as she could reach.

We loved snapping some new photos of our girls.
It is amazing how quickly they grow up!

Mark always places the angel on top of the tree.
This is the twentieth year that angel as sat atop our tree!

On Sunday, our family had the privilege of lighting
the Advent wreath at church.
It was the second Sunday of Advent.
Mark lit the candle. Elena read the verse.

Liv ended the lightning by saying "O come, O come Emmanuel."

On Sunday, while grocery shopping
we picked up an item not on our list : )

It is now a new favorite at the Tate house.....
gingerbread men marshmallows!
Yes, they are light brown marshmallows that are shaped like little gingerbread men AND taste like gingerbread!
Yummy with hot chocolate, coffee or plain!

Find time during this beautiful, yet busy, Christmas season to focus on one another and the pure joy that can only come from Christ alone.
In Him,
The Tates

"We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19