Project 52: Week 52: Friendship

This year we got to give Abby one of the best Christmas presents possible...

Her best friend in the whole world Peyton, coming for a visit!

I think we can all learn a little about true friendship from these two, sweet little girls.

Abby and Peyton met when Abby was about 16 months old and Peyton was about 10 months old.  Right away they had this instant bond, that kids that young normally don't have.  They were always so happy together, and pretty much NEVER had issues most really young kids have: toy sharing, fighting, wanting to play different things, etc.  They just always got a long so well.  As they got older they asked to see eachother pretty much everyday, which they did for the most part.  They were eachothers first friends.  Then they felt like their entire life shattered  when our family had to PCS from San Antonio.  This were 4 years old when we left.  For the next few years they constantly talked about eachother and always said eachother was still their best friend.  (Sara and I are both horrible phone people and so they rarely get to talk to eachother, but that never stopped them).  In May, we had to go to Texas for Geoff's surgery, and so Abby got to surprise Peyton, after not seeing eachother for just over 2 years.  They acted like they were never apart.  Again they were devastated when they had to leave eachother again.  Sara and her family went to MN for Christmas and I talked her into making the 8 hour drive to Minot on the way home so the girls could see eachother.  They just spent the last 3 and a half days within 5 feet of eachother!  I honestly think these two are connected for life.  They just love eachother so much, and love being together.  I can't wait to see them together as teenagers :)

I can't believe this is my LAST project 52 post.  I think I might try to make these into a little flipbook or something so I can look back at them.  Too bad I didn't keep them very organized, so it will take some work on my part :/.  Also, I have another week to decide if I want to take it on again next year, but I think if I do, I will make it a little more themed, and not just a week to week thing.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the VanDyck Family!

This year we stayed home in Minot for our 1st Christmas here at this base.  Of course because we are here, there is NO SNOW :(,  None the less we have had a wonderful Christmas season this year.  We have done lots of fun activities and Christmas stuff!

We are soooo blessed in so many ways, but mostly because we get to celebrate the greatest gift ever, Jesus Christ.  He is the reason we celebrate and love Christmas so much.  He brings so much joy and love into our lives and Christmas time is just exploding with all of that in our family.  

We have more than I could have ever wanted.

Project 52: Week 51: Magic

Obviously we do not believe in actual magic.

but even so, I can see gleams of "Christmas Magic" her eyes.

And this look, that we see the entire Christmas season in our girls eyes...

Is why we do what we do, as much as we do.

It's priceless.

I can't believe this is my 2nd to last Project 52 post!  I am still deciding if I will be doing it again next year or not.

This past weekend we had our Annual Happy Birthday Jesus Party and we decided to do something a little bit different and have "Santa" come visit and read the kids the First Christmas Story.  Jordyn is all about some Santa this year.  Like, head over heals in LOVE with Santa pretty much.  The fact that he came to HER house just made this Christmas the best ever for her.  She asked if she could hold his hand on the way to his chair, and the entire time, her eyes were literally sparkling.  The look on her face made our decision to have Santa(was hoping Santa could incorperate into our party at least a little, hence having him read the story ) visit totally worth it.  The rest of the photos from the party can be seen on my facebook page. (There are waaaay too many to upload onto here!)

Project 52: Week 50: Belief

There is something so pure and innocent about Christmas magic

I know our years of them believing is dwindling down 

So we will continue to embrace it for as long as possible

The pure joy on the girls faces through out this whole Christmas season

Is what makes every hour hanging lights, and every night staying up late hiding our elf

Totally worth every minute.

Yes, the reason we celebrate Christmas is to celebrate Jesus.

Yes, we do Santa in our house.

We totally believe you can do BOTH.

I know that some people don't, and for whatever reason, that is okay.

I love watching the girls stick letters to Santa in this little mail box

And then run out in the morning to see if it's gone.

See, I told you all of the remainder of my Project 52 themes would be Christmas related :)  We are in full blown Christmas around here!  

Project 52: Week 49: Memories

This time last year we were back home in California spending the Holidays with family.  

We were JUST getting back from HAWAII!

We were only there a few days, but it was an action packed few days.

Filled with tons and tons of memories for our family.

Going to Hawaii was one of favorite things we have ever done as a family

We created so many awesome memories with our girls those few days...they both still talk about it constantly.  I think the best part was Abby getting to see where she came from and what our life was like when she was a baby.  

Project 52: Week 48: Bokeh

One of my favorite things to photograph at Christmas time is Christmas lights.

I LOVE them.

I love playing around with my camera and trying out new things.

This is one of the most simple, yet artistic photographs you can take at Christmas.

It's called "bokeh" which means out of focus points of light.

It comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

This photo was achieved by simply un focusing the tree.

It blurs the lights and gives you the glowing effect.

here are some more samples of bokeh:

You know you all want to try it now :)