'Twas four days before Christmas when the marathon began, the coordination of visits to include all the clan. With a family so large all vying for time, would Christmas be hectic or nearly sublime?
I don't think there's anyone who can't answer that, after 11 years of marriage, we almost have it down pat. It was busy that's true, but we got it together and as each year passes it seems to get better. For us 'Christmas' dawned on December 23 with gifts from Granny and Grandpa under the tree. They brought them of course, and no thanks to I-15, just before dinner arrived at the scene. Candyland, a hot meal and then the unwrapping left us quite full and happy, all the while laughing. Clothes for the girls and some great DVDs-needless to say the family was pleased! The cookies came out - forget those new pounds, 'cause a good time was had with hugs all around. At the close of the night, the grandfolks went forth and left us to play as they continued up north.
December 24 brought brunch with Grampa Chuck. Yes, more food, fun and presents and imagine the luck! Under the tree was TMX Elmo-even when toy stores had no more to sell though. New baby toys and a turtle that shines stars - it's been blazing constellations every night so far. We giggled at Elmo and played with the toys and generally enjoyed all that great Christmas noise. After Grampa went home, we took a quick rest, then got ready for church - donned our Christmas best. The Christmas story was shared in scripture and song, and when it was over before too long, we went out to the courtyard for a special surprise. There were animals there to pet - just the kids' size! After seeing the cow, sheep, goats and hens and a dab of Purell for a post barnyard cleanse, we said good night to Grandma and went home to our beds, while the gameplan for the next day raced through our heads.
Christmas morning had arrived - we were halfway through, and it was baby's first Christmas. What would she do? She slept pretty well and gave us a break so we actually slept before Hallie was awake. She came in and told us - politely, I might add, that Santa had come-"Come on, Mom and Dad". She was excited to see the gifts under the tree and that Santa had enjoyed the milk and cookies.
Santa brought the Dora house and doc kit that was hoped for, penguin bowling for Anna and quite a bit more. After opening the gifts, what seemed a hundred or so, we had to get ready again, it was time to go. Off to Auntie and Uncle's for Christmas brunch, and a few dozen more gifts, we had a hunch. The girls opened toys, books, DVDs and games, Hallie was quick to read the tags for the names. A nice time at brunch, then to Grandma's Hallie goes, a visit to Rose Hills then home to cook potatoes. Grammie arrived around 2:30/3:00 and we daydreamed of dinner-it was prime rib, you see. Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Mike hosted Christmas dinner this year. We enjoyed good company and feasted with cheer. Another round of gift giving came after we dined, a more loving family would be hard to find. Then we packed up the sweaters, gifts were in boxes or bagged, and we drove to see Christmas lights though little eyes sagged. We oohed and ahhed at the elaborate displays, then headed home - a pleasant end to our Christmas days. What we could manage, girls and gifts came inside, no trick to guess which fell asleep on the ride. As the night wound down and we tucked them in tight, we cherished the memories as we kissed them goodnight. Our Christmas was magical, as Christmas should be, and we look forward to the many more we shall see.
The holidays were delightful with family so near, we wish everyone great joy in the coming new year.
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