Before we left the Netherlands the girls got their advent calendars, the kick off to our holiday season every year. This year I got a very special surprise–Charlotte had spent weeks leading up making one for me! Sewing socks, stringing them together and filling each one with a special gift, including this shell necklace she made. So thoughtful and kind! It really is a joy to watch them grow up.

Yesterday when Steffen and I braved rye grocery store, we saw a small fake tree so we picked one up as a surprise for the girls. They were so excited! They got to work right away making decorations to get into the holiday mood. I love their creativity and initiative.