I made it through December 21 with the December Photo Project.
The rest of the family arrived on the 23rd.
And that was the end of my photo posting for the month.
There was just too much else to do, to see, to soak in and absorb, to hug, to love.
There was a birthday to be celebrated, and then The Birthday to be celebrated.
There was hiking and shopping and hanging out and playing games and eating food.
And then, everyone (save the four who were staying) left.
And I have to admit, there was a bit of a post-holiday let down.
Or rather, a “this is real life now” adjustment.
We are making our way, bit by bit. The excitement of the “new” has worn off somewhat, to the everydayness.
We knew that it would. But it’s still hard.
Particularly when you have left a community where you thought you were going to live the rest of your lives, people with whom you shared deep connection.
I know that God has something different for us, and he is guiding us there. But there is still the reality of the sadness of what has been left behind.
We’re grieving, in some respects.
I don’t want to stuff that down, or dismiss it. It’s real. And it will take some time.
And yet.
God gives hope.
We give thanks for the job, the house, the beautiful surroundings.
The adjustment to school.
The new paths to walk a dog.
The rain instead of snow and cold. :)
An employer who is not an @#$%^&*!.
The nearness of each other.
The potential of a new church community.
The faithfulness of God.
The blessings that are new every morning.
And some photos to remember the wonderful holiday we all had together.
birthday cheesecake
photo: Anna Koenig
photo: Anna Koenig
Addie and Grandpa at the toy store
fresh crab legs for Christmas Eve, courtesy of a doc at the hospital
by the Space Needle and EMP museum
Adeline’s favorite group — EMP Museum, Seattle
Wow!
guitar sculpture at EMP
I see you, Grammie…..
hangin’ in Port Townsend
photo: Anna Koenig
hiking Hansens
photo: Anna Koenig
photo: Anna Koenig
January 9, 2013 at 8:25 pm
Such a fun Christmas! Thanks for making it possible. <3
January 9, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Beautiful pictures! Where’d you get that cute Christmas nativity thing? Is it magnetic? And if you tell me you made it, I might fly to Seattle just to punch you. For the record, I totally disagree with Bethany- that Christmas looks like at least a 5. Less than 3? Not cool.
January 9, 2013 at 9:49 pm
It is magnetic. And although I was going to tell you that I made it just so you would come out here ( I can take a punch– would totally be worth it), alas, I must tell the truth. I did not. :) I have been racking my brain and also googling, and can neither remember nor find where I got this, years ago.
January 9, 2013 at 9:15 pm
Thanks for sharing Kerri! So missing you!
January 13, 2013 at 11:11 pm
Love you.
Also. These pics are great.