Advent Fun

We celebrate advent each night by opening a door on our fabulous three-dimensional advent calendar. Within each door is a small treat for each member of the family and a slip of paper with our Scripture reading and carol for the night. It has been so much fun telling the boys the story of Jesus' birth, beginning with God's promise to send a Savior King. Tonight we veered a bit from the norm because Grandma had left an advent gift today when she watched Paul. We reviewed all that we have learned thus far, from the promise to the angel visits to Mary and Joseph, followed by rousing renditions of "Mary Had a Baby" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Then the presents came. Mine was my very own hand-knit stocking, which perfectly matches the ones the boys and Erik have! Erik grew up with his and Lynne found the pattern for it for Luke's first Christmas and also made one for Paul. I LOVE having all of them matching. Not that I can actually hang them this year. Paul would just pull them down. Next year!
The boys also received little gifts - a little lion for each of them. It was especially cool because we shared with Luke that Jesus is also called the Lion of Judah. We have been slowly building our collection of animals since Luke's third birthday and these were an excellent addition. Paul was especially thrilled with his very own lion. Here are adorable pictures for your enjoyment!

Paul's face really says it all.

Luke's face is so precious. He's happy because Paul is tickled.

Roaring for the camera!