Feels like Christmas!

Well, I wasn't sure if I would manage to write one more blog post before we leave for the U.S., but I think I will. :)

I have a few, early, Christmas pictures to share from our Christmas time in Olomouc. We started celebrating early here so that we could have some special moments in our home with Jakub before we leave. We also hosted last week our Moms and Kids Christmas party and final program before leaving. We had a wonderful time together and had one of our best-attended programs yet. What a special time it was of singing together, reading about the birth of Jesus, celebrating the best gift of all, and making traditional Czech Christmas cookies together.
Here are a few pictures from that time, as well as some other "Christmas" pictures we've taken recently.






This is Jakub's new doggie, which we gave him as an early Christmas gift, and even-more-so as a "thank you" for working through some difficult sleep issues with us and getting back into a routine of sleeping on his own. :) After a one-week trip to Germany a couple of weeks ago Jakub decided he liked sleeping in the same room as us (even though he was in his own travel-bed) and upon our return home had many anxious moments (and a lot of crying) about us being out of sight at bedtime. We had one really tough, emotional, and sleepless, week and now he is sleeping much better, and through the night, on his own again.










Other special "Christmas" moments we've had together recently:

- Ice-skating with friends outside on the square (Jakub immediately learned the word "skate" and kept begging to do it himself. I can't wait until next year when he can!)
- Shopping at the outdoor Christmas markets and seeing all of the beautiful, handmade, items.
- Watching Jakub ride on his first carousel. He rode in a "blue auto," which he couldn't stop talking about. :)
- Putting up our Christmas tree together and listening to Christmas music
- Hearing Jakub call Christmas trees "ho-ho-ho tree."
- Watching the fireworks in the square on Svaty Mikulas and seeing Jakub watch in awe.


We're looking forward also to making many special Christmas memories with our friends and families in the U.S. We look forward to seeing some of you soon and we would also appreciate your prayers for safe travels and good health. :)