Christmas in July

Never before have I debated whether to set the Christmas table inside or out -

but inside won over for ease of setting up the night before ...

and simple peace of mind.

Meanwhile, the next day, was a perfect summer day to enjoy the shade under the tree

where everyone helped themselves to appies ...

or Peppernuts.

The boys played ball,

excited about new soccer nets.

and the girls decorated beach bags.

 A fair amount of bubbles also got blown around.

When it was time to go in for turkey dinner

we set up fans on each side of the room

and just had to remember that many places celebrate in summer.

I'm always in a hurry when taking the table photo,

but here it is ... it's hard to see the other end of the table!

And here's one that was shared with me.

(the kids get served or helped themselves 

and then the adults get their turn ..

so here's just the kids)

It was all I could have dreamed of -
down to kids handing out painted rocks  to
go with the story in Joshua about setting up stones of remembrance.

A blessed, simple and special Christmas together
that will not be forgotten.