Christmas With Jake

Today we celebrated Christmas with Jake since he'd be returning to his family this evening. We had originally thought he would be with us until spring but as plans and circumstances often do, things changed and they were able to have him rejoin them sooner. Because of this, the girls asked if we could celebrate Christmas with him before he left. Plans were made to do all of Jake's most favorite things: a car ride -or two-, a walk, peanut butter, and gifts (because what's Christmas without a gift or two). 

 After his gift from Emma we headed over to Cushing which had been a favorite place of ours to take Jake. A car ride + a walk?! Could this day get any better?!

After our walk, followed by a few errands on our way home, it was time for Grace to give Jake his gift. 

He's clearly into this gift opening thing! 

 Since it was also Saint Lucia Day today we had to make a batch of cinnamon rolls (as is our tradition. Maybe one year we'll try our hand at making Lucia buns instead). This also gave the girls and I a chance to wear the fancy December aprons my Aunt Gail made. 

 Jake is such a good helper! 

And then it was time to take our pal home. We packed up the car, took one final selfie (similar to the first one we ever took of the four of us) and headed over. The three of us were a bit choked up on the way over (and during the drop off) and after we said our good-byes and  "see-you- soons" tears absolutely flowed on the way to get ice cream (because, according to Emma, "times like this just call for chocolate ice cream"). It was such an honor and an absolute privileged to be able to help our friends this way and to be able to welcome this sweet soul into our family these past two months. There's definitely a Jake sized hole left in our hearts and the house is gonna feel a bit too quiet for the next few days I am sure. Thank you, dear friends, for choosing us to be Jake's foster family. It truly was such an honor and a blessing and we are happy to take him anytime. xo