fortunately fortunate.

Dear Panda Inn Chinese Buffet,

For the 2nd year in a row we've spent Christmas Eve with you.  The food has been tasty, the service has been good, and the fortunes have been reminders of who we truly are.

We don't go out to dinner much.  These pictures are probably proof of that.

Thank you for giving us a place where the food kept coming - along with goofy faces & genuine smiles - plate, after plate, after plate.

God was with us at the booth near the entrance as we enjoyed our meal & time together.

He was with us as we celebrated His birth in a uniquely odd, but totally "right" fashion.

He was with us as we opened our fortunes & read them aloud - smiling and even giggling at their "truth."

I hope the next time we have dinner with you, you see that same sparkle you saw tonight in each of our eyes.

That sparkle of hope.

That sparkle of joy.

That sparkle that says we're {fortunately fortunate} because God Came Near.

May you know how important you are in the lives of us at Christmas.

Not because of any special decorations or fancy food, but because of your ordinary, simple way of being that place where we are focused on each other and the gift we have in You - and nothing else.

With appreciation for your business hours on Christmas Eve,

Ian, Lindsay, Mason & Mack

"country" Christmas.

Dear Ian,

This was the best family gathering we've had in "forever."  I don't even know where to start as I look back through the pictures, smiling - and even laughing out-loud - remembering all the good parts of the day. {goodness unwrapped & shared in so many, many ways} In fact, there really weren't any bad parts.  Unbelievable.

We decided to offer to host Christmas with your family this year & even we {which really means I} had the intention of caroling and a hay-ride, intermixed with snacking, gift opening, trap shooting, and game playing.

The thing that happens with us though, is that we're really quite horrible about sticking to our original plan.  Maybe that's why this year seemed to be so perfect?!  No agenda, no stress, just all of us together for an entire day. Just doing what we do best ... living & laughing ... and loving a whole lot.

Morgan opening something "one direction" and squealing in delight ... notice Josh plugging his ear.

ready, set, open!

two sets of crazy eyes

the lovely ladies

family photo opp. # 27 of the day

Add caption

Mack's own MACK truck

books with the boys' names in them were treasures this year

the "blessed" Brownings

the "kid" table.

It's Ian on a lamp!

the toilet wreath

the shirt everyone wanted

Better Luck ... Let 'er Buck

no words necessary

JP dreaming of Margarita-ville!

Express Personnel, this is Shannon!  

Red Solo Cup at its finest!

The day was amazing actually.  Not just because of the gifts, not just because of all the wonderful food, and not because of any special agenda we followed.  It was just what it was supposed to be..

Time together - celebrating life & all of its goodness ... and rejoicing in the fact you were more relaxed than any of us had witnessed in years .

Life is a {special occasion} ... and we're living proof.

Thank you for loving the real reason we celebrate Christmas almost as much as I do ... this year was one worth repeating.

With hopes of more magical days with family & continued memories made with you,

Lindsay