Merry Christmas!

I love this time of year; the music, the lights, the decorations, my beautiful children in their Christmas clothes for church, the fun with family and friends... Even though it is also a crazy, busy time of year, it is my favorite! To quote Inigo, "Let me 'splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up."

We were able to have lots of family with us for the holiday. Ken's parents came and stayed with us for a few nights. It was fun to have them at our home. We got the vacation off to a great start by sleeping in, eating yummy food, and playing games. On Wednesday (Dec. 22) we got together with Holly and Brian's family and went to see Voyage of the Dawn Treader (sadly, I spent much of the movie in the hall with Cooper -- ugh!). Then Holly made us all a delicious dinner and we settled into a family canasta tournament. For years Ken and I have been quite dominant on the family canasta circuit, but apparently our reign was to come to an end as we lost to Holly and Brian. We had so much fun talking and laughing with them though, so we didn't mind too much. It was a late night. We didn't get home until about 2:00 am and we were glad everyone slept in the next day!

The day before Christmas Eve my parents came. They had offered us their old couch for the basement and everyone was relieved when the old couch was able to be hoisted out the basement window and the new one lowered in. I was just giddy.

I was thrilled to get my Christmas gift on Christmas Eve. Another reason my parents brought the truck was to help us pick up our new furniture! You read that right. NEW FURNITURE! After years of wanting and saving our pennies, we now have a new leather recliner, couch, and loveseat. (I love how easy they are to wipe with a damp cloth and, voila! The kid schmutz is clean!)

Christmas Eve was wonderful! We had some dear friends and their parents over for delicious food and fantastic conversation. The kids acted out the Nativity and we sang and played carols. The entire evening was divine.

Christmas morning was a blur of wrapping paper and squeals of delight. The kids were so excited to finally get a Wii with a a large assortment of games. We couldn't wait for Ken's parents and Holly and Brian's family to join us later that afternoon for another round of gift-giving and dinner. My folks and I were especially excited because my brother Cyle was drivng in that evening with his new bride-to-be. Yes! Cyle got engaged just before Christmas! He and his fiance, Athena (LOVE HER!), were driving out to introduce her to the family and visit for a couple of days.

Being with family is the best gift of all! Furniture that isn't worn out is a close second. :)