Merry Christmas! (Part I)

 It is December 24th --- Christmas Eve! This year we won't see any family in person, so we've packed up and shipped our Christmas bit by byte to you via the Internet. This is strictly from the hip ... I'm adding pictures and narrative as I go.

 Well, the 24th started out kinda warm and a little rainy ... not at all like the cold snap that gripped us a week ago. Brrrrrr!. No, all today and into the evening it's been mild. I don't mind. A dusting earlier this week gave us a hint of what winter really is ... a little snow with Christmas.

 Last week saw the Tollgate School's annual Christmas show. Rather than the big part, Elena played in a group number while pointing out her father and big brother during her routine. Today started out with some last-minute shopping in Bury. Judy, Elena, and I poked around looking for last minute gifts before heading home for gift-wrapping and the pre-Christmas Cookie Bake.

 Tonight's Children's Mass was jovial with little shepherds, angels, and farm animals. At the end of Mass, Father Phillip passed out gifts ... little party horns ... for all the children. What a racket! Later we stopped over to Libby's apartment where her newly arrived cats were adjusting to an English life style.  By 9:30 we were home following Santa's progress via the NoradSanta website. Time for bed ... more coming soon! >>>

Merry Christmas! (Part II - Judy wrote this one.)

 It is Christmas morning and we are just winding down from the excitement of all the presents from Santa and from "abroad" (as Chris called them). Speaking of Chris, he is now asleep. He did not nod off until around 1 am and he was up before 5 am. Some things never change (with or without Santa). He has now crashed in the living room. At first on the floor but he has now moved to a chair.

 Elena is busy playing with all her new dolls. She had a long list for Santa this year which was created post "toy making production schedule". So the list and the goodies didn't quite match up. But, in the true Christmas spirit she was thrilled none the less. When she woke us up this morning she said "Mommy, come quick there's a surprise." Mommy said "What is it"? Elena said "I can't tell you. It's too surprising". There were lots of wonderful gifts under the tree, not only from Santa but also from all the wonderful people we love and miss at home. Thank you for all the thoughtful gifts for us and the kids. We have no big plans for today. We probably will have an early dinner and then stop over at on open house that a coworker is hosting. The rest of the time I imagine we will be busy reading our new books, playing our new games, watching our new movies, slipping into our new slippers (as Doug has done), and holding our new dolls. Happy Christmas!

(PS You missed Christmas Eve Mass with a church full of children blowing party blowers. I don't know what the priest was thinking, but it sure was unforgettable.) >>>