Christmas

Our Christmas this year had everything that Christmas should, and maybe a little more too! We had surprises and presents, traditions and family time, and—at least for me—a sweetness that seemed to come from simplifying.

It was so appropriate that Christmas this year was on a Sunday. Could we work that out every year? I really liked that. My favorite gift was being in church with my whole family. It really was! We haven’t taken Jacob to church since before he was diagnosed with leukemia; it’s just a choice we made, for germ reasons mainly (and, you know, sometimes he doesn’t feel up to it). But on Christmas day we decided to all go to church together. It was really special.

Something else that was really special was lots of time with cousins:

Look at those handsome hairless boys!

Parker and Jacob after exchanging gifts

There’s no cure for cancer yet, but cousin time sure seemed to come close! Jacob felt so good. Even after treatment on the 27th he was playing with his cousins a few hours later. It was amazing. They’re good medicine—and not just the boys—and not just the Woodward cousins, either! I don’t have pictures of everyone and everything, but it was great to spend time with all of our wonderful extended family this Christmas. Thank you all! We love you!!